BRENDAN RODGERS revealed the reason behind the crucial change that sparked Celtic’s winner against Aberdeen at Pittodrie last night.
The Hoops boss started the storm-lashed encounter with Alex Valle at left-back with Greg Taylor on the substitutes’ bench.
However, there was no-show for the on-loan Barcelona defender after the interval with the Scotland international taking his usual No.3 slot on the flank behind Daizen Maeda.
The switch paid enormous dividends when Taylor was instrumental in setting up the only goal in a tough, uncompromising duel between Scotland’s two top teams on an evening described by Rodgers as a “horrendous night for football”.
THE FINISHING TOUCH…Reo Hatate rolls the winner past stranded Dons keeper Ross Doohan.
The all-important breakthrough strike arrived in the 78th minute when the substitute drifted inside to accept a pass from skipper Callum McGregor who worked tirelessly in midfield from start to finish.
Taylor looked up, took stock of the situation in an instant, chipped a pass forward onto the chest of Reo Hatate and the Japanese midfielder hit the ball as it dropped beyond the groping fingers of Dons keeper Ross Doohan.
A beaming Rodgers praised Taylor for his crucial contribution and explained he was brought on for tactical reasons in place of the Spaniard.
The Hoops gaffer, who watched the champions power seven points ahead of Jimmy Thelin’s side, said: “Alex was on a booking and we just needed to be a little cleaner, because of how they were pressing.
“We wanted Greg’s quality on the inside to come out. Alex was on a booking, he was playing more on the outside because he’s dynamic, he wants to run.
“But our space was on the inside, so it was more tactical than injury. He is fine.”
YELLOW PERIL…Alex Valle is booked by referee Don Robertson after a clash with Dons dangerman Duk.
The Irishman also made special mention of Kasper Schmeichel and the men directly in front of the Danish legend, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty.
Rodgers, speaking to The Scotsman, added: “You have to stand up and be counted on nights like that, when it’s not perfect.
“You know when you’re 1-0 up late in the game that you will have to able to do that. I thought Kasper’s handling was so clean and pure in the game.
“The two centre-halves were strong, everything in the box they were there blocking it. That’s what you need.
“We have played some brilliant football this season, scored lots of goals, but the bedrock of everything is our pressing and how we defend, and you saw that mentality on this occasion.”
