Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has enjoyed an intriguing first season back at Parkhead that could culminate in a domestic double.
The Irishman has taken his side to within one point of being crowned Scottish Premiership winners; meanwhile, if he maintains his perfect Scottish Cup record against Rangers later this month, two trophies could be headed to Glasgow’s east end.
Regardless, Rodgers hasn’t had it all his own way this term. Back in December, pressure mounted on Celtic following back-to-back league defeats against Kilmarnock and Heart of Midlothian, with the latter loss prompting boos from the home support and stinging criticism from the likes of Chris Sutton.
If you were to ask any Celtic supporter to identify a turning point in the league season, the late victory away to Motherwell in February would probably spring to mind.
With stoppage time on the board, the Bhoys were in danger of fluffing their lines and going four points behind Rangers before Adam Idah and Luis Palma put the seal on a 3-1 win that saved their bacon in Lanarkshire.
Post-match, Rodgers responded to external narratives regarding the pressure Celtic were feeling in the title race by claiming his players would ‘write our own story’ this term. From then on, his words have aged like a fine wine as his club hurtles towards the finish line.
John Hartson says Celtic deserve to win the Scottish Premiership
Nothing is official yet; it must be stressed; however, Celtic are in a brilliant position heading into their final two Scottish Premiership matches following a stunning 2-1 victory over Rangers at the weekend.
John Hartson has paid tribute to Rodgers’ sterling work at Parkhead, claiming that the way he dealt with a lack of reinforcements in January, departures such as Liel Abada’s earlier in the campaign, and losing the services of Jota last summer reflects why his side deserve to be crowned league champions.
Hartson explained [Go Radio Football Show]: “He had no help in January; he had to go with what he had. He brought in Idah and lost a couple of really big players in the summer. Abada had problems and he had to leave the club, Jota, he lost some big players.
“Joe Hart had a bit of criticism, but again, he’s a title-winning goalkeeper, another league title for Celtic and he’s been marvellous. I think Celtic have earned it, they’ve deserved it.
“Ultimately, whether you put it down to luck, whether you put it down to losing games you shouldn’t have lost, whoever wins the league and finishes at the top of the table over 38 games will deserve ultimately to be the champions.”
Celtic have been the best team in Scotland this season, even if they haven’t been at their free-flowing best for periods under Rodgers’ stewardship.
Nevertheless, they have got the job done where it has mattered, and if they can smash through the finish barrier, both the manager and his players deserve immense credit for their mental fortitude.
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