Rodgers pleased with Airdrieonians victory

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers is happy after his side began their Scottish Cup defence with a comfortable 3-0 win over Airdrieonians.

Scott Sinclair scored twice before striker Timothy Weah, on loan from Paris Sain-Germain, scored on his debut to round up the win against the side from the Scottish League One.

Airdrie ‘keeper David Hutton produced a number of fine saves to keep the score to just 3-0, and Sinclair had a hat-trick goal disallowed.

It took the home side a while to get firing, however, Sinclair scoring his first in the 37th minute, and Airdrie could have gone into half-time level with the Scottish Cup holders had it not been for a fine triple save from Celtic ‘keeper Scott Bain.

Rodgers, though, was pleased with his sides first performance back after their winter break in Dubai.

It took us a bit of time to get going, but after that first 15-20 minutes, we started to find the gaps. Scored three goals, missed a penalty, had a lot more chances and had a goal ruled out that would have given Scott a hat-trick.

Rodgers also hailed the impact Weah and Oliver Burke made on their respective debuts, and the Celtic boss was pleased with the link up play for American Weah’s goal.

For Timothy’s goal it is exactly how I like my teams to play. You have a player coming short, in Oliver, who has great pace to go in behind but he opens up the gap and Timothy goes in behind. I like my players up top to have that speed and that cleverness and it was a great pass by Dedryck Boyata and Timothy gets in and finishes.

Celtic return to league action on Wednesday when they host St Mirren.