BRENDAN RODGERS saluted his Celtic superbabes after the 2-0 win over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park today.
Five academy graduates started against Lee McCulloch’s side with three teenagers in defence alongside 20-year-old Kieran Tierney.
Rodgers said: “We played very well, technically the players played at a really high level.
“We had good control of the tempo. I was so pleased with the contribution of some of the younger players.
“Tony Ralston and Calvin Miller have been training with us since last season, they were exceptional, showing nerve, calmness.
“It’s a great sign for the future for the club that they can come in and play with quality, but they need good senior players around them, as well.”
Ralston, 18, and Miller, 19, were the full-backs, with Tierney playing alongside 19-year-old Kristoffer Ajer in the centre of defence.
Kundai Benyu, 19, signed from Ipswich in the summer, played as an attacking midfielder, alongside two academy graduates in James Forrest and Callum McGregor, who scored the game’s two goals between them.
Rodgers added: “We scored the first goal with a great bit of skill by Tom Rogic, he’s a special player who can make the difference.
“If you look at it, he just lifted the ball over the defender to get into the box and he’s got the awareness to pull it back and it’s a good finish by James Forrest.
“He’s got that languid style, he’s a big lad, 6ft 2in, and his feet size must be 13, but the ability he has with the ball is incredible.
“He’s got great awareness, he lets the ball come to him. The only player I worked with like that before is Adam Lallana, who knows where space is and can turn possession into a penetrating moment.
“Tom can take the ball under pressure, can create goals and score goals. He’s a joy to work with.”
Tonight’s @CQNMagazine podcast
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Special guest: PAT STANTONhttps://t.co/5rSFo7WDeM pic.twitter.com/ZFctD9UbCV— Paul John Dykes (@PaulDykes) August 19, 2017
