TIREDNESS IS OK BUT I WON’T LET PLAYERS BE LAZY BHOYS
TOMORROW, 12.30PM, TYNECASTLE Rodgers: Stars can’t take their foot off the gas
in the 69 games – it’s what they have done every day in training.
“It’s what we do to shape that mentality because if they feel they can go lazy in training then they will feel they can go lazy in games.
“They might not have been always at their best – but they have always given their best and their qualities come through.”
Rodgers’ views were backed up by utility man Nir Bitton who says keeping Celtic’s consistency up is harder than it looks.
The Israeli midfielder – who has been deployed as a makeshift centre-half this term – reckons the champions have it tough fighting on so many fronts against sides who are determined to end their long unbeaten run.
Bitton said: “A lot of people look at us and think, ‘He’s a footballer – he doesn’t do much.’
“But you work hard. You are not outside working in the cold all the time or working with your hands.
“But you are still working hard and you have to make a lot of sacrifices in life.
“People on the outside take what we do for granted. They say, ‘Oh, Celtic are playing Hamilton so they should be winning 4-0 at half-time.’ But it’s not like that. It’s never easy.”
Rodgers’ side want to learn but some of the players they will face tomorrow could still be at school.
Craig Levein has lobbed in 16-year-olds Harry Cochrane and Anthony McDonald this season and the Hoops boss reckons his rival should be hailed for being bold with youth. Rodgers said: “As a coach you are looking to pick the best team. “If the best players are your young players then you play them. “You have to applaud Craig and his staff for having the faith to put them in. I saw the young lad Cochrane play against Linfield in a pre-season friendly and he looked good. “I also saw him in the derby game against Hibs. He has the personality to play. “At 16, you have no fear. You don’t have a history – it’s all new. You just go and play. “It’s great that Craig has put trust in them. Some people will say, ‘Are they too young?’ but you need to respect the manager’s judgment.”
Rodgers has never crossed swords with Levein over the years but has been an admirer from a distance.
He believes Hearts got the best man for the job when Ann Budge persuaded the former Scotland gaffer to take off the director of football tie and get the coaching gear back on.
Rodgers said: “I don’t know Craig at all but it was a sensible appointment by Hearts to put him in. When Ian Cathro left, a host of managers and coaches would have been wanting that job.
“It’s one of the big clubs in Scotland with plans to move forward. But there wouldn’t have been too many better than Craig.
“He has had success in Scotland as a manager before, he worked in England. He has also been an international manager and has an overview of the whole club.” ALI CRAWFORD is set to return to the Accies squad but club captain Michael Devlin (knee) will be out until the new year after also pulling a muscle in his chest.
Defender Sean Kelly is a major doubt for Ross County while Michael Gardyne will be assessed before the match after making a partial return to training on Thursday. Midfielder Ross Draper is suspended.
Last season: Ross County 3 Hamilton 2, Hamilton 1 Ross County 1, Ross County 1 Hamilton 1, Hamilton 1 Ross County 0.
Last five league matches: Hamilton WDDLL; Ross County LDLLD.
Referee: Gavin Duncan.
MICHAEL GANNON