Rodgers: St Mirren are the best Scottish team we’ve played
BRENDAN Rodgers last night insisted St Mirren are the best team his Celtic side have faced domestically – ahead of their fourth meeting of the season with Rangers at Parkhead on Sunday.
A stunning second-half display by Rodgers’ team yesterday afternoon booked their place in the William Hill Scottish Cup semi-final next month – where they will face their Glasgow rivals at Hampden – and kept alive their hopes of completing a treble.
Goals from Mikael Lustig, Scott Sinclair, Moussa Dembele and Leigh Griffiths secured what was ultimately a comfortable 4-1 victory at home and extended their unbeaten domestic run to 33 games.
However, Jack Ross’s team gave their hosts a massive scare by taking the lead in the 13th minute through Harry Davis and reaching half-time 1-0 ahead.
The Paisley club, five points adrift at the bottom of the Ladbrokes Championship, could easily have built on their lead early in the second half.
Celtic striker Moussa Dembele inadvertently turned a free-kick by St Mirren midfielder Stevie Mallan onto the underside of his own crossbar with a failed clearance.
Rodgers, whose side will face Rangers in a Premiership match at Celtic Park this weekend, was greatly impressed with how well the visitors had performed and admitted he had rated them more highly than any top-flight club he had encountered.
“I have to give credit to St Mirren because I think they are the best team we have played domestically, including Premiership teams,” he said. “Jack’s done an excellent job in a short period of time. They are very well coached and brought in some signings in January. How they are at the bottom of the league I do not know. They have a good idea of the game, they’ve got composure, mobility and speed in the team.
“I can see why they would have beaten Hibs. Jack has got them very well organised. We knew it would be a good game despite where they are in the league position.
“St Mirren would hold their own in the Premiership. They are the best team