BREN’S ’BROX SOLID!
Rodgers’ Old Firm boost Frimpong: McGregor key to glory
BRENDAN RODGERS will be in the Celtic dugout at Ibrox for next week’s Premiership Old Firm clash.
The Hoops boss was sweating on a two-match ban for branding ref Don Robertson and VAR official John Beaton incompetent.
But Rodgers — backed by hotshot sports lawyer Nick De Marco — copped a one-game punishment with another suspended at yesterday’s Hampden hearing.
The 51-year-old will now sit out Sunday’s league clash at Livingston, but will be on the touchline for the big derby collision in Govan on April 7.
And he is also set to have skipper Callum McGregor and star
JEREMIE Frimpong insists the good times will continue to roll at Celtic now that Callum McGregor back in business.
Dutch ace Frimpong (inset) squared up with a few of his old Celts pals in last week’s 4-0 friendly win against Scotland.
The full-back — now starring for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga — was thrilled to relive his trophy success at Parkhead.
But he reckons the return of McGregor — who missed the trip to the Netherlands — will ensure more silverware this season.
Frimpong said: “It was great to see some familiar faces.
“Guys like Callum are still there. When I was at the club we had Scott Brown as our leader. But man Reo Hatate on board as they get set to return from injury.
Rodgers was pulled up for controversial comments in the wake of Celtic’s 2-0 defeat to Hearts at Tynecastle last month.
He was left fuming at a VAR red card for Yang Hyun-jun and then a debatable penalty awarded to the Jambos for a handball against Tomoki Iwata.
Rules
Rodgers let rip after the match and faced inevitable action with strict rules over questioning the competence of officials.
Celtic were determined to fight their corner and their legal team highlighted numerous instances of other Premiership managers calling VAR into question that have gone unpunished by compliance officer Martin Black.
Hoops chiefs accepted the rap but admitted they were unhappy at the ban and will keep pushing for VAR improvement.
A club statement said: “We are disappointed with the outcome of today’s hearing, although we will accept the panel’s decision.
“The manager appeared at the hearing today, and his defence was presented robustly and thoroughly.
Callum was right up there with him. We had a few big players in that dressing room and they were an inspiration to me.
“I was new to it all and it was great to see how professional they were. They took me in, gave me advice – they were excellent, on and off the pitch.”
Armband
Frimpong wasn’t surprised to see McGregor get the captain’s armband — because the midfielder is a born leader.
The 23-year-old added: “I knew Callum would be the captain after Scott. Everyone knew it. I think it was pretty obvious as he has all the
“Like many other clubs we will continue to press for the highest standards in relation to the VAR process in Scottish football.”
The Hoops gaffer will take it on the chin this weekend — but he is set to be boosted by the return of captain McGregor.
Month
Rodgers revealed the midfielder — who has been out for over a month — is close to a comeback.
And Hatate — who has been crocked since the start of the year — is also pushing hard to be picked for the Livi game.
Rodgers said: “Of course it’s great if they’re available.
“They have that knowhow and experience with how to deal with it in a title run-in, then that can be key.”
Rodgers is thrilled with the Old Firm reprieve but he won’t take his eyes off Livi on Sunday as he is determined to head to Ibrox with Celts top of the table.
He said: “Livingston are at home and on the astroturf pitch. David Martindale always puts out a battling and hard-working team.
“But really, we have to control our game. Our focus is very much on playing in our rhythm and in our way.” attributes you want in a captain. Not like me! I could never be the captain!
“But Callum is fantastic on and off the pitch. It’s no surprise to see him become a successful Celtic captain, winning the league again and the Treble last season.
“He’s so important to the team and if he’s back in the team again for the remaining games, I’ve got no doubt he can lead them to more trophies.” (below)