BRENDAN RODGERS is preparing his Celtic players for a double challenge as they are about to be confronted with two quickfire games to test their character and resolve.
The Hoops boss is concentrating on picking up precious Premiership points against Ross County in Dingwall in tomorrow’s 12.30pm kick-off.
Rodgers will then immediately turn his focus on Tuesday’s Champions League Group E encounter Atletico Madrid in the Spanish capital following the 2-2 draw at Parkhead nine days ago.
The Irishman is poised to dip into his pool of players to make certain the team maintain momentum and do not falter at the twin hurdles.
Rodgers, as usual, is not giving away too many clues ahead of the match against Malky Mackay’s Highlanders as he returns to the Global Stadium following an absence of just over six years.
READY FOR THE CHALLENGE…Brendan Rodgers speaks ahead of the away games against Ross County and Atletico Madrid. Image courtesy Sky Sports.
However, there could be roles for Oh Hyeon-gyu, the midweek matchwinner against St Mirren, winger Yang Hyun-jun, who looked impressive when he came on against the Paisley outfit, and midfielder Odin Holm, desperate to atone for his red card in the opening game in Europe’s elite competition as nine-man Hoops crashed 2-0 to Feyenoord in Rotterdam.
The second time-around gaffer said: “It is a testament to the players and their mentality because it is very difficult for a player when you are not playing a lot to find a rhythm.
“You know you have to come in and perform because you may not get seven or eight games on the spin.
“The intensity of training means they are ready to come into these games.”
Rodgers, speaking to Sky Sports, added: “You go into the game and will always pick the team that you think can win, but you are obviously assessing fatigue and game time for players and where they are at.
“There is a quick turnaround for the game on Tuesday, but I trust in the squad and I have always said it will be about the squad.”
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