BRENDAN RODGERS has praised the Celtic supporters for their inspirational backing of the champions in the 2-1 Hogmanay triumph at Ibrox.
The fans roared on their favourites throughout the frantic 90 minutes, even after Kenny Miller had opened the scoring in the 12th minute.
They got their reward when Moussa Dembele exploded a drive high past Wes Foderingham for the equaliser and Scott Sinclair rolled in the 70th-minute winner.
Talking about the followers’ encouragement, Rodgers said: “It was brilliant. They didn’t panic, either.
“When we went 1-0 down, they stayed with the team which is very important and, hopefully, they are seeing there is a real trust building between the supporters and the players.
“Sometimes you will have adverse times in games, but if you have the spirit, the fight and the will, along with the quality, then you come through it, and the supporters are identifying that with this Celtic team.
“Like Celtic teams of the past, you find a way, and it was important for them to celebrate together afterwards.”
And the manager would have walked over to salute the fans at full time had he not suffered an injury while celebrating Sinclair’s points-clincher.
Rodgers added: “That was my only disappointment of the day as I was unable to go over there and be with them as I stupidly pulled my calf!”
* Brendan Rodgers was talking to the Celtic View, on sale tomorrow.
