Brendan Rodgers says Celtic are a better side than they were last season as they prepare to face Brechin in the Scottish Cup on Saturday.

Celtic's long domestic unbeaten run came to an end last month while they have shipped more points already this campaign than they managed in the whole of last season.

Yet Rodgers reckons the champions are a slicker outfit than they were 12 months ago.

"We're improving," he said. "Looking at the team out in Dubai last week, I was much happier with where we are in this moment than where we were last year.

"There is a much clearer way in which we work now. So that's improvement and development for me.

"I know we're better. Sometimes you may not have the points to show it. It's all about perception and my perception as a coach is that the team is developing really well.

"Now we're looking to really attack the second part of the season and with a lot fewer games to play we're hoping to get back to the intensity that we have played most of our games with."

Rodgers has kept his January recruitment to a minimum so far, with Marvin Compper the only new face to have joined his squad to date.

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However, the German's debut will have to wait after he picked up a calf strain during the club's Middle East training camp. He joins a casualty list already containing the names of Jonny Hayes (broken leg), Tom Rogic, Anthony Ralston (both knee) and Patrick Roberts (hamstring).

Kristoffer Ajer, 19, could be thrust back into action for the fourth round clash with Darren Dods' part-timers - and possibly next month's Europa League showdown with Zenit St Petersburg too.

But after his mature display against Rangers before the winter break Rodgers insists the youngster has his full faith.

"He's made big strides," said the Northern Irishman. "He came here as an 18-year-old having played first-team football in Norway but needed to get used to a more physical game.

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"But I've been really impressed by him. At 19 he's shown up very well any time he has played for us. The last period that he played for us he was exceptional really."

Brechin sit bottom of the second tier without a win but Rodgers will take nothing for granted when they visit Parkhead.

"I'm sure Brechin will provide a tough test for us," he said. "Ok they are bottom of the Championship with just four points but they're certainly playing for their manager.

"We've never been lazy on any opponent, no matter who they are, and Brechin will get the same respect as every other team."

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