Brendan Rodgers was chuffed to see Celtic beat Hearts at Parkhead this afternoon.
The Hoops won 3-0 to see off the challenge of their visitors in what was a much improved performance from last time out in the Scottish Premiership.
Celtic were without Callum McGregor at home to Rangers a fortnight ago but the captain was back on the pitch in Glasgow and put in a strong showing including providing an assist for Daizen Maeda’s opener.
For Rodgers it was all he was asking for before the game and he was pleased with how McGregor and teammate Reo Hatate dovetailed in the midfield.
Brendan Rodgers credited Callum McGregor for Celtic vs Hearts
And the Irishman has explained that he doesn’t like to keep McGregor in the defensive position and what he described as the “controlling position” as the freedom to express creativity can only benefit the team.
“It was a nice little rotation between him and Reo,” Rodgers told Celtic TV. “He obviously plays in that controlling position, Cal, but we don’t pigeon hole him in that.
“The mobility and the movement between him and Reo was very good and that releases the pass, the space for him to take it and his ball is dead weight.
“And a brilliant finish by Daizen, but we always expect him to score.”
Rodgers described Kuhn’s performance as ‘excellent’
Rodgers was particularly pleased with Nicolas Kuhn during the action as the German put the ball on a plate for his teammates for two of the goals.
The player has been accused of over-trying by John Hartson in recent weeks amid a dip in form.
But his manager was delighted with how he performed and applauded the attacker.
“I thought Nic was excellent today,” the boss added. “His threat, his speed, his ball in for the second goal I think it was. So all three (attackers) were very good.”
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