BRENDAN RODGERS is convinced there will be no international hangover among his players ahead of tomorrow’s game against Motherwell at Parkhead.
The Irishman believes his Scotland quartet of Craig Gordon, Kieran Tierney, James Forrest and Leigh Griffiths will have overcome the disappointment of a dire World Cup double-header against Lithuania and Slovakia.
Striker Griffiths came on as substitute in the 1-1 draw at Hampden and also the 3-0 drubbing in Trnava while left-back Tierney played the entire tie against the Slovakians. Winger Forrest featured as a substitute against the Lithuanians while keeper Craig Gordon was on the bench in both matches.
Asked if he would have to lift the players, Rodgers said: “No, not at all. I am sure they were disappointed, but I always say to the players who go away to play with their international team, just worry about your international team, don’t worry about Celtic.
“Go away, give your best to the coaches and managers to be the best you can for your country.
“When you come back to here, only worry about Celtic.
“When you drive up through Lennoxtown and through the gates, the focus goes to Celtic and they come into an ambience where the spirit is really high.
“It is a good environment to come to and they just slotted back in this morning and trained very well.”
Rodgers also has to consider minor knocks to Swedish defender Mikael Lustig and Israeli midfielder Nir Bitton before settling on his line-up for tomorrow’s match against Motherwell.
