Rodgers backs Cal for Scotland
through the system and understands Celtic and what it means and it was a nice day for him and his family.”
Meanwhile, Rodgers maintained that he had no regrets about resting so many players yesterday afternoon - while also aiming a pop at St Johnstone for raising their game against the Parkhead side.
The Hoops rested a number of players in preparation of this week’s trip to Russia for the second leg of their Europa League tie against Zenit St Petersburg.
“You have to be careful with so many big games and a big game on Thursday,” said the Celtic manager.
“Kieran [Tierney] has played nearly two season in one and I have to take the opportunities to give him a breather. After Thursday he has Aberdeen on Sunday and ganmes follow from there.
“Scott [Brown] was suspended, Mikael Lustig has a niggle on his Achilles and we couldn’t risk that and Oliver [Ntcham] was ill and couldn’t play.
“Scotty [Sinclair] came in and is top class so it was still a strong team. It was young, but strong and we just couldn’t get the win.
“We just couldn’t make the final pass. We drew against them here earlier in the season but that’s sometimes how it is. We scored more away at McDiarmid Park, when they needed to come out a bit more.”
“Olivier should be fine [for Thursday]. He was sick but should be ok and Browny is available and Mika was precautionary but should be fine.
“There was no need to risk it when I have other players I can give a chance to.”
BRENDAN Rodgers has insisted that Callum McGregor should be firmly established as a Scotland internationalist by this stage in his career.
The Celtic midfielder captained the Parkhead outfit yesterday in the 0-0 draw with St Johnstone and Rodgers has questioned his lack of involvement within the national side.
“He’s been absolutely brilliant for me and if you look at his goal during the week – if that’s a Spanish, Italian or Argentinian player then everyone would be lauding the quality of his touch and technique,” said Rodgers.
“He’s a fantastic talent in terms of how he takes the ball and how he has only one cap for Scotland is amazing.
“Someone of that technique and tactical idea of the game is brilliant.
“With some other regulars out I thought it was a nice touch for him to be captain and my staff agreed.
“He’s 24 and came