Rodgers leaves door open for Roberts and hails youth stars

Brendan Rodgers was delighted with how Celtic dominated proceedings, as they hammered St Johnstone 4-1 at Celtic Park today.

Patrick Roberts scored a brace, while Dedryck Boyata and Callum McGregor scored the other goals to secure another three points in a potential record breaking season.

Celtic had a range of goal-scoring opportunities in the first half, but failed to capitalise.  However Rodgers’ half-time team talk must have been special, as the Bhoys came out firing.

Roberts opened the scoring on the 47th minute, but The Saints responded immediately with a 49th minute strike from Steven McLean.

Rodgers spoke to the media about Patrick Roberts, and his decision to play for Celtic rather than England U20:

Great for us. A difficult one for the player as he loves it here and not many players get to go to a World Cup.

We would love to have him here permanently but have to respect he’s a Man City player. But if there ever was a possibility of doing it, then it’s something I would look at.

Tells you everything about his enjoyment here and how we wants to be part of hopefully creating some history here. Really pleased with his first goal and delighted with his second one as something we have been saying to him.

He creates goals but he can add more numbers to his game and that will come through experience. Delighted, he’s an outstanding talent and his performance along with the team performance was really exciting.

Patrick Roberts was rewarded for his outstanding display, with the man of the match award.

After that, the Hoops dominated the scoring with a 52nd minute header from Boyata, and a 62nd minute goal from Roberts. McGregor came on as a substitute on the 69th minute, and scored a stunning solo goal two minutes later for Celtic’s fourth and final goal.

Youth stars Mikey Johnston and Anthony Ralston were handed starts in place of Scott Sinclair and Mikael Lustig, as the Hoops side extended their unbeaten run to 43 games under Rodgers.

The manager added:

With young players about timing. Have always given young players an opportunity.

Want to ensure they go in with other good players at the right time & want to them in against a team who will be a test – important.

If you look at Tony first of all. He was absolutely outstanding. He really impressed me when I first came in as a 17-year-old. Very honest, strong, aggressive, can defend &, importantly, he can pass the ball. He was absolutely brilliant for his first start.

Young Mikey, you see the profile of player I like. He replaced Scott Sinclair which is never easy but he did very well. Very exciting player. Fast, still has a lot growth left in him. Once he gets better on final pass and adds goals, will be a big talent.

The win means that the champions extend their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership to 30 points, before Aberdeen visit Tynecastle tomorrow.

The Hoops next fixture is away to The Dons, on Friday.  Kick-off is 19:45.