BRENDAN RODGERS will tonight say farewell to an “incredible” 2017 for Celtic.
The champions are going into the three-week winter break with an eight point lead over Aberdeen as they chase their seventh successive Premiership title.
Sad Sevco Rangers are 11 points adrift which gave their toxic fans enough reason to party at Parkhead after a goalless draw at Parkhead yesterday.
Six defeats and two draws in eight games against the Hoops obviously warrants some sort of success for the Govan followers.
Rodgers says his men deserve a rest after a record-breaking 2017 which included extending their unbeaten domestic run to 69 games and spectacular clean sweep of the domestic trophies.
The Irishman admitted he was so proud of his players and said: “It’s been an incredible year.
“Many records, many trophies, many wins, many great performances. We have now closed the chapter on 2017.
“There are so many great moments for us to reflect on.
“Now the players deserve a rest. As do the staff, who deserve a great applause for the work they’ve been putting in.
“They can now go away and we’ll meet up again in our warm weather camp in Dubai in a week’s time and get some hard work in.”
Rodgers continued: “Playing for Celtic, there’s a mental and physical drain on you.
“There are lots of elements of our game we need to work on and improve on, but what it gives the players is that freshness.
“And the second half will be better than the first half of the season for sure.”
Reflecting on the goalless draw with Graeme Murty’s outfit, the Hoops gaffer added: “I’ve seen it over many years in these games, where the home team can end up losing a game like that 1-0.
“So for us to keep another clean sheet, in our ninth game of the month – so there was probably a wee bit of tiredness in the performance as well – I can only give credit to the players.”
Here’s to 2018, Brendan and the Bhoys!
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Stevie Murray has now written two books on Celtic – ‘Ten Men Won The League’ and ‘Kenny of the Celtic’ – and he is a respected and authoritative voice on the club.
Treat yourself to a signed copy of Jim Craig – Right Back to 67 and you will receive a copy of That Season on Paradise signed by Bertie Auld, just order the Jim Craig book at CQNbookstore.co.uk and we’ll do the rest…
