KASPER SCHMEICHEL made certain his unblemished Premiership record remained intact with two typical saves late in the game as Celtic cruised to a 3-0 triumph in the Glasgow derby.
The points were as good as in the bag at a rocking Parkhead after Jack Butland, at the other end, had been invited to fish the ball out of his net courtesy of efforts from Daizen Maeda, Kyogo Furuhashi and Callum McGregor.
Nearing the conclusion of a pulverising performance from the hosts, Philippe Clement’s shell-shocked Ibrox visitors were searching for scraps, any sort of consolation.
BEST OF ENEMIES…Kasper Schmeichel and rival Jack Butland at full-time.
However, Schmeichel, a worthy successor to Joe Hart, denied them even a solace of comfort as he made two trademark blocks as he denied James Tavernier and then Ross McAusland as the clock ticked down on the champions’ fourth successive league win of the season, scoring 12 and conceding zilch.
A delighted Rodgers stressed the importance of being able to lock the back door as he said: “We’ve seen from pre-season that mentality to defend.
“And if the team does break through then you’ve got Kasper who’s a world-class goalkeeper to make the save.
“Keeping the clean sheet was important to us. That takes hunger and mentality.
“It’s a decision to want to go and defend and press.
SAVE ONE…Kasper Schmeichel blocks a first-time drive from James Tavernier (No.2).
SAVE TWO…Kasper Schmeichel is quick to react to foil Ross McAusland.
“To score the goals and create the opportunities was great, but the defensive part of the game is still very important.
“From the first day of pre-season, the players’ focus and work-rate has been very impressive.
“I thought we were electric going forward at times and we had good opportunities to be even more convincing.
“But I’m so pleased to get to this period. We can now analyse, reset and come back really excited for the next game against Hearts.”
Rodgers also hailed skipper McGregor who was perpetual motion throughout the encounter and capped a fine performance with another spectacular long-range goal with a left-foot drive that exploded behind the stretching Buckland to his right.
The Hoops gaffer, speaking to Celtic TV, continued: “He’s an outstanding captain.
“He had a man-marker on him, but he’s so clever, he knows when to drop the marker and when to attack the space.
“He’s such a tempo-setter for this team.”
THREE CHEERS…Callum McGregor acknowledges the Celtic fans after rifling in No.3.
And there was a special mention, too, for evergreen James Forrest who made his 500th appearance for the club, as CQN flagged up before kick-off.
Rodgers added: “It’s absolutely remarkable the longevity that James has had at this club.
“Especially for a winger, there’s a big demand on all players here at Celtic, but especially attacking players.
“For him to get his 500th appearance is absolutely fantastic.”
The international break now kicks in – with Scotland due to take on Poland at Hampden on Thursday and Portugal in Lisbon three days later in the UEFA Nations League – before Celtic return to action with a home game against Hearts on Saturday September 14.
