Fiver in the Benk

Croatian star scores as Celtic run riot

Brendan Rodgers watched Celtic hammer Hearts and claimed his team are hitting their double Treble form.

The Hoops got off to a slow start this season when they crashed out of the Champions League and lost at Hearts and Ki lmarnock as well as dropping points at St Mirren.

But Rodgers’ heroes are motoring again and were back to their best in a demolition

of Craig Levein’s men yesterday. They can now go top of the Premiership by winning their game in hand against Motherwell.

After racking up 13 goals in six days Rodgers insists the champs are hitting top gear again.

He said: “That was a great victory for us and the performance level was fantastic. The game today and results in the past few weeks have shown the level these players have been at for two-and-a-half years.

“We’ve taken hits in Europe but to keep coming back with that kind of hunger is great.

“That’s a good Hearts team who are difficult to beat and have started the season well.

“But we were excellent. We scored five and it could have been more. It was an outstanding performance.

“Our form in the last few weeks has been much more like us. I said six weeks ago we’d get back to our level. It just takes time. It’s a joy to watch us right now.”

Rodgers praised French striker Odsonne Edouard whose double took him to 11 goals this season – and Callum McGregor who is filling Scott Brown’s boots as midfield anchor.

The boss said: “Odsonne has scored consistently since he’s been here. His goals to games ratio is excellent but it’s also about what else he gives the team.

“His first goal today was brilliance for a young kid. His second was probably what you’d expect from a striker in the box. We’ll always create chances and it’s up to him to take them.

“Callum has slotted into Scott’ s position effortlessly. He controls the tempo. He has a dream of a touch and his feet are nice and soft. He’s got a great range of passing.

“Now he also has the personality to play those passes. He can break a line with a pass and split up the game for us.

“He’s been exceptional in that role but I say that everywhere he plays.”

Rodgers’ only gripe was a late tackle by Hearts captain Peter Haring on Lewis Morgan. The Austrian was on a booking Rodgers said: “Haring’s tackle had a bit more force than there needed to be.”