Rodgers feeling heat as Celtic make worst start for 20 years

BRENDAN RODGERS admits he faces the biggest test of his Celtic tenure after a 2-1 defeat at Kilmarnock confirmed the Hoops’ worst start to a Premiership season in 20 years. Defender Stuart Findlay’s dramatic injury-time header from a corner gave Killie a stunning victory, after Chris Burke’s drive had cancelled out Leigh Griffiths’ first-half opener. Northern Irishman Rodgers has enjoyed huge success since arriving at Celtic in 2016 and his side finished last season as unprecedented double treble winners. However, after six games they have only 10 points and are six behind leaders Hearts, their poorest start since 1998-99 under Jozef Venglos. Old Firm rivals Rangers are up to second in the table after thrashing St Johnstone 5-1 at Ibrox. Asked if this was his biggest challenge at Celtic, Rodgers said: ‘It is. We have to accept that. When you’re at the biggest clubs and you don’t win, the heat comes on to you. ‘That’s when you show you’re a Celtic player or manager. You come together. When you lose games the spotlight will always be on you. ‘The basics cost us this time. It hasn’t been great, but we have to accept that. We’re the only ones who can make it better and get results.’ CRISTIANO RONALDO bounced back from his Champions League red card by scoring the opener for Juventus in a 2-0 win at Frosinone last night. His strike came in the 81st minute before Federico Bernardeschi added a second in injury time.