Zenit win is the best yet for Rodgers

BRENDAN RODGERS has hailed Thursday’s win over Zenit St Petersburg as the most satisfying European night of his tenure. Unfancied to progress in the Europa League on the back of three home defeats in the Champions League group stage, Celtic saw off the free-spending Russians courtesy of Callum McGregor’s late goal to ensure they hold a slender advantage ahead of next week’s return. Rodgers presided over a pulsating draw with Manchester City at Parkhead in his first season in charge

then watched his side rack up a five-goal lead over Astana in this year’s play-off. But he felt the patience his side exhibited to defeat Roberto Mancini’s men made the latest victory the most complete 90 minutes of European football to date. ‘Yes, I said that to the players,’ insisted Rodgers. ‘There have been some outstanding performances in my time here. ‘Thursday was absolutely brilliant because I have seen growth from when I first came in. ‘I have always talked about personality and to play with the bravery and a good tactical understanding of the game defensively. ‘The crowd were also amazing and gave us that edge, but they also stayed very calm when we had the ball. ‘There is a real cohesion between the stands and the pitch — and that is very important.’ Opting for the insurance policy of a back three, Rodgers watched Mikael Lustig, Jozo Simunovic and Kristoffer Ajer restrict Zenit to only one real opportunity over the course of 90 minutes. Simunovic has been at fault in recent domestic games, most notably in last weekend’s win over Partick Thistle, but heeded his manager’s pre-match warning of the need to remain focused throughout. ‘The players are not robots,’ added Rodgers. ‘They will have games where they are not at their best. ‘We had a review after the Partick game, as we always do. I wasn’t happy with our concentration in that game. ‘When we are concentrated and when it comes to the big games, we don’t tend to lose too many.’ With Tom Rogic and Scott Sinclair unused subs against Zenit, Rodgers will ring the changes for the visit of St Johnstone tomorrow ahead of next week’s trip to Russia. ‘Thursday is a vital game but so is Sunday,’ he stressed. ‘I have got players who are champing at the bit to play. We will be hungry to get the three points and it will be a stuffy game because St Johnstone will make it difficult for you. ‘Some of the boys will come in because others played on Thursday.’ Rodgers extended his best wishes to Alex McLeish after his return to the post of national team manager was confirmed. ‘I wish Alex all the very best,’ he said. ‘He has worked in the role before and he did very well.’