BRENDAN RODGERS will demand consistency and improvement from his players as Celtic prepare for another hectic surge of crucial fixtures at home and abroad.
The champions face four vital Premiership encounters – starting with Dundee at Dens Park on Sunday and including Hearts at Tynecastle a week later – a Premier Sports League Cup semi-final and two Europa League games before the next international break.
The matches will come thick and fast and Rodgers is delighted that Alistair Johnston has returned from his hamstring injury and is back in full training.
EMBRACE THE CHALLENGES…a defiant Brendan Rodgers looks ahead to the forthcoming hectic fixture list. Image courtesy Celtic TV.
The Hoops gaffer admitted: “He’s obviously a big loss, having someone of that quality out is always a blow.
“There’s no doubt Alistair has been a pivotal part of the team for a number of years. The power and balance he brings, both offensively and defensively, are very important for us.
“It’s great to see him back on the pitch and showing that strength again in training.
“But his absence allowed us to give opportunities to young Colby Donovan, who’s done very, very well, and to Anthony Ralston, who’s always a reliable and capable player for the club.”
Following the recent internationals and now looking ahead to the series tests awaiting his team, Rodgers, speaking to Celtic TV, continued: “It’s important to have that period of rest when you’ve just come off the back of a hectic schedule and are preparing for another one.
“The ability to reset is what’s most important.
MOMENT OF REFLECTION…Alistair Johnston takes a breather in the Premier Sports League Cup penalty-kick shoot-out triumph over Rangers in December last year.
“Coming off the back of a really good win against Motherwell allows you to reflect, refocus your goals and reinforce the importance of hard work for what’s ahead.”
Rodgers stressed the importance of maintaining results while building momentum and consistency.
The Irishman added: “I think it’s just going to take time, but while you’re waiting for that, you still have to win games.
“We’ve shown glimpses of what we want, but not consistently enough. That said, the team is still winning domestically and that’s very important.
“It really typifies the mentality within the group. We’ve already had late winners this season and that shows the spirit and togetherness we have.
“The push we get from the supporters really galvanises the players, this is a team that goes right to the very end.
LOOKING UP…Brendan Rodgers has high expectations.
“Let’s embrace all the challenges that come our way, both domestically and in Europe.
“It’s a really exciting period, this is what Celtic is all about. Playing in big games and testing ourselves on the biggest stage.
“That collective spirit and togetherness are at the heart of what we do.
“We’re excited for the games ahead, ready to face every challenge, and determined to do it together, everyone fighting for the same cause.”
As well as visits to Dundee and Hearts, the Hoops have home league games against Falkirk and Kilmarnock, the derby Cup-tie against Ibrox opposition at Hampden on November 2 and Europa League clashes with Sturm Graz at Parkhead and FC Midtjylland in Denmark.
