Celtic supervisor Brendan Rodgers believes they’ve been their very own worst enemies this season.
However he’s optimistic his facet can discover the consistency of efficiency they’ll want throughout the title run-in.
The cinch Premiership champions delivered their largest victory of the season on Wednesday after they thrashed Dundee 7-1 with the assistance of six first-half targets.
Lennoxtown
The Bhoys proceed to work arduous in coaching earlier than Sunday’s recreation in opposition to Hearts #HEACEL | #cinchPrem | #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/vijF3URhdY
— Celtic Soccer Membership (@CelticFC) March 1, 2024
Earlier league video games for the reason that winter break had all been tight and two attracts noticed Celtic lose high spot within the desk to Rangers, who may go 5 factors clear after they host Motherwell on Saturday.
Celtic journey to face Hearts on Sunday, probably with out skipper Callum McGregor, and Rodgers is searching for his facet to construct on their midweek show.
“I’ve at all times felt our largest enemy this season is ourselves,” he mentioned.
“If we carry out to the extent that we will do on a constant foundation, we’re an excellent group. It’s that consistency now of taking that efficiency into our subsequent recreation.”
Rodgers has seen Alistair Johnston, Greg Taylor and Cameron Carter-Vickers return to his again 4 in current video games following accidents.
He’s seeking to utilise that settled platform within the last months of the season.
“While you arrive at 10 video games to go, that’s when the enjoyable begins, that’s if you find yourself into the enterprise facet,” he mentioned. “That’s what I’m actually trying ahead to.
“Now we have clearly had inconsistencies up up to now. However we’re nonetheless very a lot there, nonetheless very a lot in our arms what it’s we need to do.
“To have these gamers coming again is nice and actually good timing.”
McGregor was changed by Daniel Kelly at half-time in opposition to Dundee, with the 18-year-old scoring his first purpose on his league debut.
“Callum got here off at half-time throughout the week,” Rodgers mentioned. “He felt his Achilles a bit of bit and his calf.
“I do know from talking to him, right now of the 12 months he does usually really feel a bit of bit as a result of he does play a lot.
“So we simply should assess that and see the place he’s over the subsequent 24 hours.”
McGregor has performed additional ahead previously two video games after the return of Tomoki Iwata, who missed two months of motion after choosing up a knock.
The Japanese midfielder has seized his newest alternative after making solely 10 begins throughout his first 12 months as a Celtic participant.
“He anchors that midfield for us and permits Cal to maneuver on,” Rodgers mentioned.
“He’s an excellent participant however he has missed a number of this season, moments the place it seemed like he was going to get his run within the group, he was out injured.
“In order that’s been the difficult time for him after which it was simply been about getting him on top of things and getting him in on the proper time.
#CELDUN | #cinchPrem | #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/bVyXPP4jkd
— Celtic Soccer Membership (@CelticFC) February 28, 2024
“I’m actually happy for him as a result of he has given his all in coaching and he has waited for that chance.
“This was a midfield that was very tough for gamers to get into.
“In the event you have a look at Matt O’Riley, with all due respect, Matt wasn’t actually beginning final 12 months. You had Callum, Reo Hatate and Aaron Mooy enjoying a number of the video games. He has are available and had a improbable season, Matt, and Tomo has needed to be affected person.
“However I belief him, when he does are available. He performs the sport easy, he’s dynamic in successful the ball again and he has carried out very well in these final two video games.”
