Brendan Rodgers hails Celtic's spirit after coming from behind to beat Rangers
Saturday 31 December 2016 17:48, UK
Brendan Rodgers was delighted with the character Celtic showed to battle back from a goal down to defeat rivals Rangers 2-1 at Ibrox on Saturday.
The home team took an early lead through captain Kenny Miller's opportunistic effort, only for Moussa Dembele to equalise just after the half-hour mark. Scott Sinclair secured bragging rights for the Hoops when he scored from close range 20 minutes from time.
The win made it 15 straight league victories for Celtic and Rodgers feels his side's second-half display meant the three points were well deserved.
"I thought it was a brilliant result for us, a real great advert for Scottish football," said Rodgers after the thrilling Old Firm clash.
"We thoroughly deserved the win. First half we didn't start so well, we didn't pass the ball well enough but we were always a threat on the counter attack.
"We talked before the game about what would happen if we fell behind, about dealing with pressure and finding solutions. But the most pleasing thing is we stayed very calm and once we got the goal we played our way back into the game again.
"We needed to adjust one or two things at half time but second half we were brilliant. We were a threat every time we went forward. We're disappointed only to have had two goals."
Sinclair was involved in both Celtic goals as it was his corner that set up Dembele to score his fifth goal in three games against Rangers.
And Rodgers picked out his match-winner for praise after a special display from the rejuvenated former Swansea, Manchester City and Aston Villa attacker.
He said: "I thought Scott was incredible. For any supporter to watch a player play to that level in such a high-profile game was great."
Rodgers could hardly contain his delight at ending Rangers' 15-month unbeaten run at home but was left red-faced after losing his footing celebrating Sinclair's goal and was later seen limping down the tunnel.
"It was stupid wasn't it? I just slipped when the second goal went in," Rodgers admitted. "I was trying to set off on a wee sprint but I slipped and pulled my calf. It was daft, so I couldn't walk but I'm okay."
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