CELTIC can forget the pursuit of precious Premiership points for the next fortnight as they turn their focus to Europe and the bid for the season’s first silverware.
Brendan Rodgers’ men take on Dundee United at Tannadice two weeks today, but before the Tayside tussle they aim to give their Champions League qualifying chances a massive boost with a positive result in Croatia when they play Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday evening.
Then the Hoops can look to Hampden in a week’s time when they attempt to make sure another treble is a distinct possibility when they face Phillipe Clement’s Ibrox outfit in the Premier Sports League Cup Final.
GRIM AND BEAR IT…Brendan Rodgers spots the flaws in win over Hibs.
There is no respite for the team who maintained their charge towards a fourth successive title with a 3-0 win over Hibs in the east end of Glasgow yesterday when strikes from Arne Engels and Kyogo Furuhashi book-ended an own goal from the unfortunate Joe Newell as the hosts opened a nine-point advantage over Aberdeen.
The Hoops also have a game in hand over the Dons, but Rodgers was not entirely satisfied with his side’s performance where Kasper Schmeichel was called in several time to bail them out against an Edinburgh club fighting for survival.
The Danish international denied the visitors a goal in the opening minute when opposing striker Mykola Kukharevych was allowed to race clear with Auston Trusty and Liam Scales caught out with a through ball down the centre.
The Ukrainian frontman thought he had opened the scoring as he slid the ball low to Schmeichel’s left-hand corner, but the experienced netminder thrust out a foot to divert the effort to safety.
Rodgers said: “I thought our pressing was nowhere near the level that we would expect and want.
CELTIC VIEWS…Brendan Rodgers outlines his thoughts on the champions’ performance.
“Because of that, we were reliant on our world-class goalkeeper who made some brilliant saves for us.
“If an away team come here and get that early goal, then it gives them extra motivation to stay in the game. He’s a top international goalkeeper and we needed him.”
The gaffer, speaking to Celtic TV, added: “Overall, it was a very good win. In terms of our midweek game and all the travelling.
“It was a tough game physically and Hibs have had a full week to prepare.
“So, in the end, it’s three very good goals and a fantastic win.”
