Brendan Rodgers on what Celtic learned from last Aberdeen meeting amid honest admission

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Brendan Rodgers has been speaking today ahead of Celtic’s semi-final clash with Aberdeen tomorrow in the Premier Sports Cup.

The Irishman will be hopeful of extending his magnificent cup competition record across two spells in Scotland but knows the task that lies ahead tomorrow is arguably the Bhoys’ toughest of the season.

Last month, Celtic drew 2-2 with Aberdeen at Parkhead in a chaotic affair that kept the home side ahead on goal difference in the Scottish Premiership, which is still the case after ten matches played.

With the Bhoys having a clean bill of health to face the Dons apart from Odin Thiago Holm, there is hope they can dish out a bit of retribution after Aberdeen clung on for a point in Glasgow in the final stages.

Nevertheless, Rodgers will expect a fiery tie at Hampden as Celtic aim to progress through to the Premier Sports Cup final.

Brendan Rodgers on what Celtic learned from Aberdeen draw

Facing up to the media ahead of the Hampden clash, Rodgers admitted Celtic were punished for their concentration and commitment defensively against Aberdeen, but believes they should’ve won the game amid a flurry of late chances.

He stated: “It was a game we should’ve won. I’m pretty clear on that in the game, especially analysing the game afterwards. We were 2-0 up in the game and had other chances and we got punished for our slackness.

“In that first 15-20 minutes of the second half, that showed us that if you’re slack and you’re not concentrated in your defending and you’re not committed in your defending, they’ve got quality players that can hurt you.

“We’ve seen that with the two goals that they scored, especially the first one. That has to be a learning for us, and it will be, it’s something we were able to talk about afterwards and, obviously, coming into this game.

“Even then, in the last 20 minutes we had chances in the game, but we know we have to play really well to get into the final.”

Celtic have a defensive dilemma ahead of Aberdeen clash

Last week, Cameron Carter-Vickers returned from injury for Celtic against Motherwell and has since started at home to Dundee in midweek, leaving Rodgers with a defensive conundrum to solve.

While the United States international is likely to start, will he be accompanied by his international teammate Auston Trusty or familiar partner Liam Scales?

Both have performed admirable amid Carter-Vickers’ absence, but there is unlikely to be room for three when the reigning Scottish champions take to the field at Hampden.

It would be harsh to leave anyone on the sidelines. Nevertheless, Rodgers makes his money by carrying out tough decisions, so let’s see how it plays out.