6 STARS WHO MADE IT 6 IN A ROW FOR CELTIC
CRAIG GORDON
CELTIC’S season has witnessed a few personal comebacks but Gordon’s might go down as the swiftest and most decisive. His Parkhead career appeared to be in serious peril when Dorus de Vries arrived from Nottingham Forest in mid-August. Rodgers had lauded the Dutchman’s ability to play the way he wanted. Replacing Gordon for a 4-1 win over Aberdeen, it seemed a changing of the guard was under way. Gordon, though, refused to give up. Seizing his chance when De Vries was injured against Kilmarnock on September 24, he has remained in goal ever since. The Scot then emerged as Rodgers’ established No 1 through hard work and adaptation. He understood and responded to demands to better distribute the ball. Interest from Chelsea in January tested the bond between club and player. Rodgers, though, was unwavering in his desire to retain Gordon. The goalkeeper’s subsequent signing of a new three-year contract at Parkhead added financial reward to his ‘indispensable’ status.
MOUSSA DEMBELE
THE January window was only a warm-up for the transfer speculation that will surround Dembele this summer. For around £500,000 in compensation to Fulham, Celtic acquired a striker who has confirmed his status as a rising star in the European game. His presence has provided a potent focal point to their attack domestically and in the Champions League. It seemed difficult to imagine the Parkhead club gaining an upgrade after Leigh Griffiths scored 40 goals last season. The Scotland striker has, however, been forced to play the role of back-up due to Dembele’s formidable form. A hat-trick in September’s 5-1 win over Rangers was when the France Under-21 cap truly announced his arrival at Celtic. A scoring lull was dispelled by a winter training camp in Dubai. Dembele netted 13 times in eight games when the season resumed in late January.
SCOTT BROWN
ONE of Brendan Rodgers’ first acts as Celtic manager was to invite Brown to his London home for dinner. It sent a clear message. This is my dressing-room leader. He is not about to be usurped by any new signings. Subsequently lauding the midfielder’s influence as similar to that of Steven Gerrard at Liverpool continued the managerial lovebombing. A relationship of trust was rapidly established. Rodgers smartly recognised Brown as a player who could set standards and drag other players forward at a quicker rate. The response from his captain has been emphatic. Looking stronger, leaner and sharper than in any recent season, Brown has been a relentless driving force at the heart of the Celtic team. Now past 400 appearances for the club, the 31-year-old shows no sign of slowing down after sealing a seventh title medal overall. Indeed, the biggest question mark again surrounds his international future ahead of Scotland’s Hampden showdown against England on June 10. Although, with his manager suggesting a ‘solution’ will be found if he wants to play, he now looks odds-on to face the Auld Enemy.
SCOTT SINCLAIR
THIS has been the story of a very happy reunion. In working with Rodgers again, Sinclair has rediscovered the performance levels of their time together at Swansea. The speed of the winger’s impact in Scotland matched his pace across the turf. He became the first Celtic player since the legendary Jimmy McGrory to score in each of his first six league games for Celtic. After difficult spells at Manchester City and Aston Villa, the joys of playing regular football in a successful side have returned in Glasgow. No other individual has added quite as much dynamic excitement to the Parkhead team — as evidenced by his magnificent hat-trick at Tynecastle yesterday. His obvious pace combines with unerring close control and enterprising finishing to create one huge asset. At a price of £3.5million, Sinclair stands as the most expensive signing of the Rodgers era to date. No-one could claim he has not delivered value. Right from that dramatic winner against Hearts at Tynecastle on his debut, the 28-year-old has made a difference.
JAMES FORREST
THE winger had one foot through the Parkhead exit door when Brendan Rodgers was appointed last summer. Having turned down a new contract when Ronny Deila was manager, new pastures seemed to be beckoning for the Celtic youth product. By August, however, he had extended his deal with the club until the summer of 2019. ‘From day one, it has been really positive and the manager has had an impact on all the boys,’ said Forrest of his decision. By then, he had already scored the first Premiership goal of Celtic’s season. One of the biggest testaments to his performances is the fact he has largely kept £12m loanee Patrick Roberts out of the starting line-up. Forrest is also an embodiment of Rodgers’ mantra about ‘not just looking a good player, but being a good player’. His move last month into double figures of assists confirmed the most productive season of his career. Other players may hog the headlines but Forrest has been a very effective cog in the Parkhead machine.
STUART ARMSTRONG
THE midfielder’s stand-out Scotland debut against Slovenia was simply the latest chapter in his resurgence. He is unrecognisable from the unconvincing performer pitched on the left flank for much of last season. It took time. A frank discussion between the 24-year-old and Brendan Rodgers set out the basis of what would follow. Armstrong wanted to play in a central position. His manager wanted to see more energy. Both fulfilled their sides of the bargain. The pivotal moment came in the League Cup semi-final win over Rangers last October. Armstrong’s impact from the bench was superb. In the following game against Ross County, he scored. First-choice status has been his ever since. The improvement that Rodgers has drawn from the player is a sign of excellent management. But that is only possible if the subject is willing to learn. Currently in talks over a new contract, Armstrong has all the qualities required to remain a central part of Celtic’s future.