IT WAS 20 YEARS AGO TODAY, BRENDAN SHOWED THE BHOYS HOW TO PLAY

CELTIC MANAGER Brendan Rodgers speaking after today’s 2-0 victory over Hamilton seemed rather pleased with his side’s shift. “I was really pleased with the performance today. The control of the game was very good, particularly in the second half.

“In first half we maybe didn’t find spaces often enough and that was maybe down to positioning & final pass being a bit loose.

“A moment of magic before half-time puts us 1-0 up and in the second half I thought we were excellent, control very good.

“I said to the players that it’s nearly 20 years to the day since I qualified as a young coach.

“Over those 20-odd years I have watched, studied and analysed hundreds of games.

“What I have learned is the greatest principle you can have in football is denying the opponent space.

“How the players counter-pressed today to not allow Hamilton to make any sequence of passes deserves a huge amount of credit.

“They are so many points ahead and they are still showing that hunger and desire to close the space.

“Another clean sheet, another calm performance. We could maybe have had 1 or 2 more in the 2nd half but I’m very satisfied.

On Stuart Armstrong, who missed an absolute sitter in the first half, Brendan said: “He had two big chances but the important thing was to have him back.

“The boys that came in showed their level of concentration. Gamboa came  in and did really well.” 

“Erik Sviatchenko wasn’t due to start but Jozo had an injury in training yesterday so he came in and was absolutely outstanding.

“Gary Mackay-Steven  into the game very early and I felt he was very good as game went on and Leigh Griffiths came back. Very good day.” 

Speaking about the James Forrest injury Rodgers said: “We will see in next couple of days. Unfortunate for him. A really good challenge by the boy.”