Richard Early 
Ian MacNicol/Getty Images Sport
Brendan Rodgers was pleased with Celtic’s efforts and resilience after they drew 1-1 with St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership at Celtic Park.
Steven McLean put the away side ahead on the 39th minute after he took advantage of a woeful attempted clearance from Craig Gordon.
It took a 79th minute strike from substitute Callum McGregor to secure a point for the home side.
The Hoops continued to press for the winner as Scott Sinclair and Mikael Lustig smashed the ball off the bar, but had to settle for a draw in the end.
Rodgers reflected on the result speaking to the media after full-time whistle.
He said:
We were a bit slow in the first half. It was the travelling having an effect on our energy and speed. I always ask the players to play, to have the courage and the nerve to do that and if they make a mistake it is up to me.
 We had one example with Kieran, under pressure with no-one near him, probably felt as a young player that he had to smash it forward and we end up giving the ball away.I was signalling to stay calm. This is football. You have to stay calm when under pressure, not just the players but outside. Or you can play Scottish football. Just smash it up the pitch. It hasn’t got you anywhere for 20-odd years.
It is understandable that the supporters want to see the ball in the box. But I’ve said since I came up here, the quicker it goes forward the quicker it comes back at you.
The lack of energy was of course due to the draining trip to and from Kazakhstan, but Rodgers will be hoping to eradicate any fatigue by strengthening his squad over the coming days in the transfer market.
Rodgers will also look to bring a number of players back from injury during the month of September, with Dedryck Boyata returning to training, and Moussa Dembele along with Erik Sviatchenko will likely return to full training towards the end of next month.
The unbeaten domestic run has now reached 53 matches, with Celtic two points behind Aberdeen going into the international break.
Next up will be Hamilton away on Friday September 8 at New Douglas Park.
