Rodgers glad to have unity among fans once again

CELTIC manager Brendan Rodgers has finally got a full squad to choose from but he feels having supporters back on board has been another key aspect to his side’s improvement.

The return of Daizen Maeda from a hamstring problem ensures Rodgers has maximum numbers for today’s

visit of Hearts after missing the likes of Reo Hatate, Callum McGregor and Cameron Carter-Vickers for spells this season.

But Rodgers highlighted the importance of the backing from 60,000 fans in the stands in getting back top of the cinch Premiership, having previously let a seven-point lead over Rangers slip.

Rodgers’ return to replace Ange Postecoglou was not universally welcomed and the Green Brigade fan group, who provide much of the atmosphere at Celtic Park, were banned for a spell earlier this season.

But the former Leicester boss has felt more unity recently and, with Celtic playing at home in three of their last

four league games, he believes the fans will be crucial.

“They’ll play a huge part,” said Rodgers, whose side lead the way by three points and five goals. “That’s been the difference in the last few months, I think they’ve been what’s helped keep things connected.

“That support they give to the team, it’s unrivalled when everyone’s onside and they’re with us. To have that in a few of the last few games at home will be special.”

Asked to explain the difference, Rodgers said: “Everyone is now focused on football. It felt like there were a lot of distractions in the first six months of the season in various ways.

“Once the focus has really come

into football and everyone really being together – that makes a huge difference. The players feel that too. This is such an incredible fanbase here and it’s an extension to the team and staff. When they get behind us, as we’ve seen in the last few months, you see the strength in that unity of everyone moving forward.”

Although he has a full squad, Rodgers admitted McGregor has not quite got back to peak fitness since returning from an Achilles problem.

“It’s just a case of trying to get him to as near a level as he can be at,” Rodgers said. “We have been managing him and I have seen a difference in him this week.”