WE’LL GET ON WITH IT
on his physicality because in this team you have to run with and without the ball.
“And of course what he does naturally, and can do with his eyes closed, is score goals.
“His goals to games ratio at a club of this size is incredible but it’s just that constant reminder of his work.
“It’s not only about the scoring. I don’t need a No.9 who just stands there. It’s about more than that.
“The team has to be synchronised in how it presses, firstly, and the aggression in that. From there we will create chances but it’s good to see him smiling, getting goals, working hard. That’s what we want.
“Normally strikers are emotional people and that’s why they’re up there, they love the glory. Leigh’s a good fella. We wouldn’t have given him a contract otherwise.
“We love having him here. You can’t go through the number of games we play with one striker, that’s the reality.
“Sometimes the game needs another dimension, someone who will stretch it really quickly over the top and other concepts you need. He is someone I always love to have in and around. When he’s fit and scoring and working hard for the team he’s a really valuable asset for us and Scotland.”
Celtic take on Aberdeen this afternoon and after 12 games played between them, only five league matches have been won so far by the teams who finished first and second last season.
They sit mid-table, six and seven points respectively off pacesetters Hearts, but Rodgers is unperturbed at this stage as his side bids for eight in a row.
He added: “It is such a long campaign and there is a long CELTIC winger James Forrest has signed a new four-year deal that will take his service to the club beyond 20 years.
The Scotland star, 27, joined the Hoops as a seven-year-old and has committed until at least summer 2022.
Forrest made his debut against Motherwell in May 2010 and has scored 58 goals in 307 appearances, winning seven league titles, four Scottish Cups and three League Cups.
He said: “From the moment I knew Celtic wanted to extend my deal I knew this was what I wanted to do.
“There’s no other place for me. It’s been my full life and I want to stay as long as I can.” way to go. Naturally people look at it just now but after 10 games we’ll have that look of where it is at.
“The most important thing is where we finish in May but this will be a decent game between two good clubs with good squads.
“I was much happier with the performance against St Johnstone. We created five clear-cut chances and took one but at least looked a lot more threatening and defended well to keep another clean sheet. It was much more like us.”
Celtic will be without central defenders Kristoffer Ajer, Jozo Simunovic and Filip Benkovic but Dedryck Boyata is available despite his red card against Saints, albeit it he’s had a flea in his ear from his gaffer.
Rodgers added: “I had a chat with him but he didn’t need to be told. He is a good guy, it was just frustration. He knows he was in the wrong and just has to get on with it.” FROM BACK PAGE the SPFL ahead of the Betfred Cup semi-finals. However, he knows the financial muscle of broadcasters such as BT Sport should never be under-estimated after also being subject to their strict programme policy.
Rodgers said: “In the modern game it is definitely television that rules the roost. You can be on an international break and come back and play on a Friday night and there’s not a lot you can do about it. Television pays the money to the organisations and you have to run with it.
“With the decision made so quickly you assume, operationally and logistically, this was deemed the best solution. Each club will have a gripe for different reasons why it shouldn’t be played on the Sunday but the organisers and police must feel this is the best possibility. It is what it is – we’re playing at 7.45 on the Sunday evening. Get on with it.”
McGregor has played at almost every other time of the week but this is a new one.
He said: “I can’t remember playing on a Sunday night before – I’m normally watching The Bodyguard.
“The league have been trying to come up with a solution in terms of us and Rangers playing in the Europa League on the Thursday night. It was always going to be a hard decision but they’ve made it and that’s what all teams have to go with. We just need to prepare the best we can.”
Celtic entertain Aberdeen this afternoon with last season’s first and second sitting sixth and seventh in the Premiership.
McGregor added: “That’s what happens early on in the league when teams drop points but positions can change pretty quickly. It’s just about us trying to get back to winning ways.
“I still see Aberdeen as one of our main challengers. It is early doors. I think they’ll go on a run and finish strongly.”
Meanwhile, Shaun Maloney has quit Celtic for a full-time post with the Belgian national team.
The Hoops reserve team coach was recently appointed No.3 to Roberto Martinez and Thierry Henry but has been offered increased duties.
Maloney, 35, said: “I have had a brilliant time at Celtic. It will always be my club.”