ROY KEANE heaped praise on Celtic for their performance against Manchester City – just a fortnight after tearing them to shreds.
The former Hoops midfielder upset boss Brendan Rodgers after comments following the 7-0 flop against Barcelona in the Nou Camp on Matchday One of the Champions League group stages.
But he changed his tune after the 3-3 draw against Pep Guardiola’s side who were looking for their 11th successive win.
The Republic of Ireland assistant boss said: “They were outstanding, much better from Celtic. It was a really good game, both teams going for it.
“Celtic had the ideal start scoring early and obviously got the fans right behind them. Moussa Dembele was outstanding and for the team to score three goals against Manchester City is never easy.
“Obviously, City showed their quality at times, as well, but it was a great game.
“City were always in the game, they have some great players. With the quality they had on the pitch, you are always going to get chances and Celtic were hanging on for the last 20 minutes, but I think they deserved the breaks they got.”
Keane suggested the draw was a boost to the the Parkhead side’s ultimate goal – to finish third in their group behind Barcelona and City to secure a place in the Europa League knock-out stages in the second half of this season.
The Manchester United legend added: “Celtic want to be in the Europa league after Christmas, that is what they are playing for.”
Keane ripped into the Hoops players after their defeat against Barca and reminded them: “You’re playing for Celtic – not Altrincham.”
Rodgers, though, snapped back after Keane claimed Celtic’s management and players overly-celebrated the 2-0 defeat in Israel against Hapoel Be’er Sheva that saw them reach the Champions League group stages on a 5-4 aggregate.
It was the first time in three seasons the Hoops had managed the feat after two consecutive failures during the Ronny Deila regime.
Keane also had a go at City’s defending and warned them they will be exposed in back-to-back games against Barca.
He added: “We have mentioned that City are trying to win the competition, but if they defend like that later on in the competition they will have no chance.
“Going forward, it was great, but at the back they were all over the place. They have to tighten up for the Barcelona games.”
