RODGERS HAILS KT AND THE CELTIC SPIRIT

BRENDAN RODGERS praised the outstanding Kieran Tierney and the Celtic spirit for the Hoops’ 1-0 win in the Europa League opener against Rosenborg at Parkhead tonight.

The Scotland international left-back was immense throughout a fiercely-contested 90 minutes against Norwegian opponents who went into the game high on confidence after a long unbeaten run.

But Leigh Griffiths was the man who made the difference with his 101st goal for the club with a neat header three minutes from time to ensure a crucial triumph.

Rodgers admitted: “Tonight was a win for our spirit. With our persistence, we just keep going.

“However, we need to improve in the final third of the pitch, considerably at that level to what we have been the last couple of years.

“Until you reach that level, you keep working and you have to keep fighting.

“We did that and we finished by scoring a fantastic goal at the end. And, of course, it’s another clean sheet, so a great win for the spirit and persistence of the team.

“We haven’t scored as many goals as we had hoped to, but it’s still very early in the season and we have to keep working.

“We have to keep looking to find solutions and hopefully give the players the confidence and then when they go into a game they can produce.

“Listen, Rosenborg are a good side, as well. Don’t forget that. They surprised us a little with their diamond shape and they did very well in the first 10 to 15 minutes before we found out rhythm.

“I have to say Kieran Tierney was outstanding on the left and gave us great options with his drive and desire. He never stopped throughout the game.

“Scott Brown, too, kept pushing and the two centre-backs, Dedryck Boyata and Filip Benkovic, were good, as well.

“But we know we can perform better and that is always our aim.”