Scott: I detested playing Brendan’s stylish sides in England as we could hardly get the ball off of them

Scott McDonald used to hate playing against Brendan Rodgers’ sides when he was in the English Championship. Because he knew that he would barely see the ball. That ’s why the former Celtic striker isn’t surprised to see Rodgers’ Hoops team conquering all before them in Scotland. But as well as the Invincible Treble last season and the current 64- game unbeaten domestic run, McDonald believes Rodgers’ transformation of Ronny Deila’s squad might be his biggest achievement. The Northern Irishman has been working with a group who were toiling under Deila. And that’s what has impressed McDonald most about Rodgers’ impact north of the border. While at Middlesbrough and Millwall, McDonald came up against Reading and Swansea when Rodgers was in charge. And the Aussie revealed those were the toughest games he had in the division. He said: “I came across Brendan a few times in my career in England when he was manager of Reading and Swansea. “Reading was probably the only black mark on his CV but I have friends there who loved working with him. “Results-wise it didn’t work out but he kept at it and got his break at Swansea. “The Swans were the worst team in the Championship to play against. I hated it because we never got a touch of the ball. “We were chasing it for the majority of the game. “He had a philosophy that was so different to what you were used to playing against. He had a footballing style that people couldn’t touch in that league. And he has evolved since then.

“You can’t not be impressed by Brendan when you speak to him. He’s a special kind of person.

“And he’s achieved all this at Celtic with Ronny Deila’s team – aside from Moussa Dembele who is his only major signing.

“It has been an incredible transformation and shows how good a coach Brendan is.

“He has brought out the best in his players and they’ve been a joy to watch – unless you’re on the grass against them.”

As he looked forward to the Betfred Cup Final today at Hampden, McDonald insisted Motherwell will believe they can beat Celtic.

But he says the difference with Rodgers and this Hoops side is that they’ll KNOW they’re going to lift the trophy.

McDonald said: “Brendan always comes up with the answers, even in sticky spells.

“They were frustrated against Ross County last week but can put on a guy like Leigh Griffiths to produce a special free-kick yo win it. That’s what Well are up against. Celtic’s determination and drive is first class.

“Mentally, Well are in a good place. But Celtic have a know-how and a confidence about them. They know they’re going to win.

“When those Celtic players look around them they have a collective belief in each other. That’s very hard to break.”

If Celtic do lift the cup then skipper Scott Brown will get his hands on more silverware.

McDonald feels Well must stop his old team-mate from playing if they hope to cause an upset.

He said: “Scott has evolved in the last few years under Rodgers.

“He’s not rash anymore, in terms of how he uses his energy and qualities.

“Brendan has trained him to be tactically more aware and positionally sound. Without Scott in the team, it’s a massive hole. He makes Celtic tick.

“And that’s one thing Well have to do – they must stop Broony starting things. A lot of the people don’t appreciate it but every attack comes through Scott.

“Motherwell need to get at it him and not allow him the space to dictate the game.

“He controls games under Rodgers – it’s what the manager has brought to Scott’s play.”

Brendan just always comes up with answer