Ross County manager Malky Mackay has lauded his Celtic counterpart Brendan Rodgers ahead of Saturday’s meeting between the two clubs.
Rodgers was complimentary about Mackay in his own pre-match press conference on Thursday afternoon, stating that the Staggies were lucky to have a man like him in the building as boss.
The Ross County man has responded in kind, going into their days of working together down south and how he always looks to seek advice from the treble-winning manager.
Mackay told The Press & Journal: “Brendan helped me lots on the coaching side. I was at the club under Aidy Boothroyd, a really good manager, and a successful manager for Watford. I learned a lot from him and then Brendan came in.
“I was fortunate enough that he kept me on because sometimes people just clean out the staff, as is their want. We became close and I learned a hell of a lot on the pitch from him. I was there on the pitch every day with him and you could tell he was first class, coming in as Chelsea reserve manager. The moment he stepped on the pitch, I realised how good he was.
“I was out of work and able to spend some time with him at Liverpool as well. When I was at the Scottish FA, he was at Celtic and we’ve kept in touch all the way through. I wanted to go and sit with him and get a couple of hours to talk to him, and get his thoughts about what he had seen in Scottish football. He was obviously the manager of one of the biggest clubs, who have a huge youth academy, so I got his general thoughts on the youth of Scottish football.
“We both love football, so there is a passion when we talk – and sometimes it was nothing to do with Celtic. It was about how players break through into first teams, differences in formations and styles, comparing England and Scotland, all of that. If you can’t take advice from people like that, then you chuck it.”
The pair will now be parking their friendship until after the full-time whistle on Saturday when I’m sure the pair will enjoy a meet-up.
County arrive at Celtic Park looking to spoil the home side’s Flag Day celebrations and kick off their season in perfect fashion – by avoiding defeat at the champions.
For the Bhoys, three points is a must. Rodgers knows he has to get off to quick start this season upon his return to the club, the expectations are high.
Hopefully his knowledge of Mackay and the way he works is an advantage to the manager and Celtic can show their quality against a team they should be beating.
In other news, Bids expected for Celtic regular; multiple teams keen.
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