Leigh’s fitness more important than Moussa treble, says boss

BRENDAN RODGERS last night explained his substitution of Moussa Dembele, explaining it was more important to reintroduce Leigh Griffiths to competitive action than afford the Frenchman a shot at claiming another Celtic hat-trick.

Dembele’s double against Hamilton was responsible for earning his team a 21st straight Premiership victory, but he was taken off shortly after netting his second from the penalty spot to allow Griffiths only his second appearance of the year.

Griffiths has been struggling with a calf injury but Rodgers admitted it was important last season’s top scorer is eased back into the fold.

‘There is no individual bigger than the team,’ said Rodgers. ‘Moussa was outstanding today. The boy absolutely oozes quality and he could have got another hat-trick, but it doesn’t matter.

‘The idea was to give Leigh some minutes because you can’t go with one striker. I need to have two firing and as fit as they can be.’

Celtic’s efforts were hindered by an injury to James Forrest, who was forced off less than ten minutes into the match.

Rodgers has called for protection of his players in the wake of some strong challenges in recent weeks but apportioned no blame to Accies’ Danny Redmond.

‘We will see in the next couple of days,’ said Rodgers of the winger. ‘It was unfortunate but a really good challenge by the boy, it was strong, it was aggressive. I think James’s second touch took it away from him a little bit so he was over-stretching.’

Martin Canning may find his team bottom of the league but he struck an upbeat note.

‘I was pleased with the attitude and discipline of the players,’ said the Hamilton boss. ‘If you try to win the game from minute one here you’re probably going to lose so you have to try and be tight and organised.

‘I can take plenty from this into the Aberdeen game on Tuesday. We know on our day we can beat top teams.’