Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has been speaking to the media before his side face Ross County on Saturday.
Here are the main points:
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Rodgers gave his backing to record signing Arne Engels, who has received criticism for recent performances. The Northern Irishman compares it to Paulo Bernardo who came under the same scrutiny during his early time at Celtic: “It was exactly the same, now he can’t be cheered on loud enough when he enters the pitch.”
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The boss hopes “people will learn their lesson” and suggests the same supporters who were writing off Bernardo and Nicolas Kuhn are now criticising Engels – “you have to understand development takes time”.
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He’s also not concerned about Adam Idah’s performances and insists every Celtic fan should know what he can do. He adds “it’s not always about scoring”.
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On the 1-1 draw with Club Brugge in the Champions League, Rodgers admits it’s the kind of game he has lost before but adds the group are making great strides to be competitive at the top level – “it’s another step to where we want to go”.
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On Cameron Carter-Vickers following his own goal on Wednesday, the Celtic boss insists “he’s been a real colossal player for this club and will continue to be” and says he was pleased with the centre-back’s response during the match.
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On Alistair Johnston being long-listed in the Best Fifa men’s XI for 2024, Rodgers says it’s “absolutely brilliant for him” and shows his consistency domestically and internationally is being recognised while demonstrating “how he’s rising as a footballer”.
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Rodgers admits he would like to improve the squad in January, saying that if the right player is available “we would certainly look at it”.
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Looking to Ross County on Saturday, Rodgers knows they will be “very determined” and says Don Cowie was his first signing as a manager so he has followed his career closely.