Rodgersonverge of record...but his focusisonresult
BRENDAN RODGERS could make history tonight against St Johnstone as Celtic look to equal a 50-year record of an unbeaten sequence of results at the start of a season.
The Parkhead side could catch the Lisbon Lions’ stretch which ran to 26 games without defeat, but the Celtic manager has insisted that it is the bigger picture which consumes his thoughts.
Rodgers wants his team to be relentless regardless of opposition, with the philosophy that if they can maintain a certain standard of performance then they will create their own footnotes into the history of the club.
“I’ve been focusing on the games itself, so I’ve not given it too much thought about what it means,” said the 43-year-old. “Firstly we want to get a victory to keep our momentum going in the league. We want to win every game and play well.
“It would be a huge honour to be able to be even spoken about in the same breath as the legends who created that record. We are aware of the great history of this club.
“But we also have to concentrate on our jobs, training and preparing well for the matches.”
Meanwhile, Hoops midfielder Tom Rogic is still a while off resuming to full training. The Australian internationalist was caught with a late tackle by Darren O’Dea back in December when Celtic hosted Dundee and it looks like it will be February before Rogic is back in the thick of it.
“He’s started running again but he’s probably another 10 days to a couple of weeks before he’s ready to join up again,” said Rodgers.
And Rodgers has also maintained that there has been no formal interest this month for either Kieran Tierney or Moussa Dembele.
The latter has been the subject of speculation regarding his long-term future from almost as soon as he put his foot in the door at Celtic, but the Parkhead side have consistently spoken of their intention to rebuff any potential offers for the French under-21 internationalist.
“There’s not been any bids I am aware of,” said Rodgers. “There has been lots of speculation about Moussa and Kieran but nothing has come in. You don’t mind the speculation because it means they are doing well for the team.
“They are happy to be here, working and playing well. Nothing will be happening in January regards them, or any others. We are looking to bring some in.”
Kouassi Eboue was reported to have been treated for malaria in Glasgow this week, but the Ivorian was at Lennoxtown on Monday as he did some light fitness work. It will be at least a week or so yet, however, before the 19-year-old is expected to make his debut.
“He wasn’t one I was going to bring in and pitch straight in to the side,” said Rodgers. “He was always going to take time to adapt.”