THEY DON’T NEIL DOWN

FROM PARKHEAD

BRENDAN RODGERS admits Hibs provided his stiffest test yet as Celtic boss in the Premiership – but still felt his team were denied a penalty to win it.

After doubles from Callum Mcgregor and John Mcginn had them level, Efe Ambrose appeared to haul Scott Sinclair back in the box before the ball struck Paul Hanlon’s hand from a Leigh Griffiths shot.

And Rodgers said afterwards: “That’s the toughest test we’ve had domestically. There’s no question about that.

“So big credit to the Celtic players. I thought that mentality and that strength and character really came through in the end to get that result.

“Hibs have pace in good areas, strength and power and had a good week to prepare. So for us it was a great result.

‘We’ve really shown why on this run of 58 games it’s so tough to do. When you’re playing lots of games in tough competitions you can lose those types of games. We really had to dig deep and find a way to get a result.

“And we should have had a penalty at the end. It looks clear. You work so hard to get back in the game then the player has his arms up to block. Willie is only six yards away.

“It’s gone now but everyone could see it. We needed a bit of something to go for us but it wasn’t to be and I’m pleased with our resilience.”