Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers says he was taken back to his early days following the club last weekend.
On Sunday, Rodgers made a surprise appearance at a charity match between St. Roch’s and a Celtic XI. It was a special encounter to mark the junior side’s 100th anniversary with the match played at their James McGrory Park home.
The likes of Bobby Petta and Scott McDonald featured in the Hoops XI, and Rodgers made a pretty cool appearance, even handing the trophy over to the St Roch’s captain after their win.
“I loved the experience,” he told Celtic TV on Wednesday. “I’d just flown back from Mallorca. A good friend of mine, Willie Haughey, was involved and I’d seen that the game was on.
“I said that if I could make it and be back, I’d love to come along. I have to say I was so glad that I did because it took me back to my younger days, just being in amongst fellow Celtic people.
“Great to see some of the older players and understand the relationship between St Roch’s and Jimmy McGrory, his story and Celtic.
“So it was an absolutely brilliant day. And just being around the supporters made me feel like I was when I was younger. Just true Celtic people that love the club, and of course, it was raising money as well.”
So a great day all around, with Rodgers enjoying himself. Judging from the numerous photos posted on social media with the Celtic boss, the spectators and players enjoyed their afternoon too.
This Sunday may not be quite as welcoming an environment as we visit Tynecastle. With only around 500 Celtic supporters in attendance, it will be hostile. But we’ve already won at Ibrox with no fans, so the players should be well up for this one.
Win and the Rodgers feel-good factor will go up a notch.
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