Tom and Stu ease the strain
Brendan Rodgers admits Scott Brown was effectively patrolling Celtic’s midfield on his own earlier this season.
And that’s why he’s hailed the impact of Stuart Armstrong and Tom Rogic for reigniting the Parkhead engine room.
Both have excel led under Rodgers, despite being peripheral f igures when the Northern Irishman was first appointed.
The Celtic boss says skipper Brown needed help in there, especially for Champions League games against Barcelona, Manchester City and Borussia Monchengladbach.
And he’s thrilled reborn Scot Armstrong and Aussie Rogic, who has been compared to Liverpool star Adam Lallana by his gaffer, have been like new players for the club in recent weeks.
Rodgers, who has dropped Nir Bitton from his midfield, said: “I thought the midfield three were brilliant against City on Tuesday against three proper players in Pablo Zabaleta, Fernando and Ilkay Gundogan.
“At the beginning of the campaign we had Scott in there playing against two or three players. But now we have three in there. The way we play, they all have to be connected.
“They have to be synchronised in their movement and they were excellent in terms of their energy to press the ball.
“Stu is getting better all the time. He’s learning how to have and keep the ball at that level – and keep it with a purpose.
“He’s not frightened now to make simple passes.
“As for Tom, he’s got huge potential as was demonstrated at the Etihad. I’ve tried not to make him a No.10 and more of a No. 8. Everyone seems to be a No.10 these days.
“But you need a player who can work, run, press and play. Tom’s body work is as good as you’ll get.
“Him and Lallana are of the same mould where they just roll out of trouble. The best players know where the space is.
“Technically, Tom is so gifted. Tactically he can now stay in the game and he’s physically better.
“The beauty is that he’s committed to Celtic. He sees this as the place to develop and he’s doing great.”