BRENDAN RODGERS has hailed the excellent work Jimmy Thelin has done at Aberdeen since taking charge of the team in summer.
The Swede has a 100 per cent record after masterminding the Dons to a highly impressive THIRTEEN successive competitive wins, seven in the Premiership to sit just behind the champions on goal difference.
The Premiership juggernauts are on course for a head-on collision at Parkhead on Saturday – and the Celtic gaffer admits he is relishing the prospect of taking on the rejuvenated Pittodrie outfit.
As the clock ticks down to an intriguing showdown, Rodgers said: “I think Jimmy has come in and done really, really well. At any level to get 13 wins out of 13, they are going to arrive into the game in a confident mood, playing well and obviously getting good results.
THINK ABOUT IT…Brendan Rodgers’ message to his Celtic players in Dingwall as the game nears a conclusion with the champions leading 2-1 against Ross County.
“So, he will be really pleased with how it’s gone and I’m sure the supporters will be buoyed by their start to the season.
“But we will prepare like we do for every game and we will respect the opponent we will play and none more so than this weekend.
“I’ve been impressed with what I’ve seen from Aberdeen from being able to watch them over the international break, seeing how they defend and how they attack and we will be able to put a plan in place.”
Looking forward to what is certain to be a stern test for his players, Rodgers, speaking to Celtic TV, continued: “I’ve done that for many years. I really enjoy that challenge on the side of the pitch.
“I don’t know Jimmy, I’ve never met him before, but the work is what you see on the field and they’ve been working really, really well.
“The team is well organised; defend in 4-4-2, they work very, very hard when they haven’t got the ball and, when they have possession, they look to build the game.
THE THINKER…Brendan Rodgers plots the downfall of the Dons. Image courtesy Celtic TV.
“They can go deeper if they want to, but they look to build the game from behind and progress through the third.
“They’ve got some talented players and a good mix of experience in there. So, Aberdeen is a club that is always expected to be up there.
“When I was in my first period, Derek McInnes had done a great job at the club. They’re always there, thereabouts in Finals, challenging at the top of the league, and after maybe a challenging few years, for whatever reason, Jimmy’s come in and looks very calm on the side.
“The players have obviously responded to that.”
The Irishman added: “It’s a fantastic game to get back up and running again – and the crowd are always important for us.
“I always say that if Celtic Park wants something, then they are a big, big part of us getting what it is we want.
“The atmosphere will be amazing. And it starts off a stretch of games for us which is really exciting.”
After the Dons crunch, Celtic travel to Bergamo for matchday three of the Champions League when they take on Europa League winners Atalanta on Wednesday.
Motherwell offer the next Premiership obstacle at Fir Park the following Sunday.
