Rodgers knew Griffiths would get the goal

BRENDAN Rodgers last night revealed that he had fully expected Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths to score when he threw the striker on towards the end of their opening Europa League match with Rosenborg.

The Scottish champions struggled up front despite dominating their limited Norwegian rivals in the Group B match at Parkhead.

However, Rodgers put Griffiths on for Odsonne Edouard, who had disappointed in attack, in the second-half and was rewarded with a goal with three minutes remaining. The 28-yearold’s header secured the double Treble winners’ first ever victory in their opening European group game in 15 attempts.

“He seems to have this in-built brain to deal with all this stuff,” said Rodgers. “Probably a lot of players, what happens in their world can be a real distraction. He learns to deal with it.

“He’s a great boy, we all love him and I know I can rely on him. When I put him on, he always has the possibility to score.

“It was a great night for him and the team.

“To get a 1-0 in a European game – and everyone was telling us before the game that Celtic have never won their first group game and we did that – was very important.

“What we know about Leigh is that he can score goals. You fancy him in a game like that. If there is an opportunity and a chance he can take it.

“It was the only chance that he had in the game. We got the ball into the box, he anticipated it and it was a great finish.

“Leigh is 28 and has signed a four-year deal. We still think there is a lot of improvement that he can make.”