‘GREAT ENERGY,’ RODGERS HAILS KEY CELT

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BRENDAN RODGERS reflected on the many plus points from Celtic’s encounter with Dundee at Parkhead last night.

First, of course, was the 2-0 win that keeps the champions at the Premiership pinnacle with a far superior goal difference to Aberdeen with both clubs locked on 28 points after 10 games.

The Dons prepared for Saturday night’s Premier Sports League Cup semi-final against Rodgers’ men with a 2-1 success over Philippe Clement’s ailing Ibrox side at Pittodrie.

The Govan club are already trailing the Hoops and Jimmy Thelin’s side by NINE points before November kicks in.

A BIG HAND…Brendan Rodgers acknowledges the Celtic fans during the 2-0 win over Dundee.

Rodgers also took the opportunity to offer wingers Yang Hyun-jun and Luis Palma some much-needed game time while Cameron Carter-Vickers made his first start in nine outings.

The USA international centre-back, who played for 76 minutes before making way for Liam Scales, took the captain’s armband from injured Callum McGregor who sat out his second consecutive match after missing the 3-0 victory over Motherwell at Fir Park.

The midfield inspiration is recovering from an abductor problem, but the Hoops gaffer reckons the former Scotland anchorman and crocked duo Adam Idah and Nicolas Kuhn will be given the green light to face the Dons in the national stadium.

Rodgers also rested Alistair Johnson, Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda although all three came off the bench 12 minutes after the turnaround as the hosts struggled for the opening goal.

BREAKTHROUGH…Alistair Johnston slides in at the near post to divert Yang Hyun-jun’s cross past Dundee keeper Jon McCracken for the opening goal in Celtic’s 2-0 success.

It was the Canadian right-back who drew particular praise from the manager.

Rodgers, speaking to The Scotsman, said: “Alistair’s always on the move. He has played a lot and I thought it was important just to give him that breather, especially with the big games that are coming up.

“He gives us a great energy in the game. It’s a great finish because he’s on the move, in the box, like he was at the weekend.

“And he’s starting to enjoy scoring now, so, hopefully, that will continue.”

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