Brendan Rodgers’ latest accolade shows the collective ‘hunger’ he has instilled in his Celtic squad

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Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has won the Scottish Premiership Manager of the Month award for September after a run of inspired domestic performances.

Without breaking a sweat, the Hoops have managed victories over Rangers, Heart of Midlothian and St Johnstone, scoring 11 goals and not conceding any into the bargain.

Speaking after claiming the accolade, Brendan Rodgers lauded Celtic’s ‘exciting’ level of performance and explained why he views their Scottish Premiership run as a precursor for his broader vision at the club over the coming years, which has already significantly improved since his return.

He stated: “In September, the performances were really exciting. We want to continue with that. It was a good month for us. Over the course of the last seven months, the team have been building towards what we want to look like as a football team.

“None more so than over the course of pre-season and the beginning of the season. There’s real optimism in how we’re working and playing. It’s been exciting, we’re scoring goals and have been strong defensively.

It is common knowledge that Celtic are in a different paradigm to last season regarding the level of weekly expectation under Rodgers, something that has brewed since the start of his second season back in town.

Celtic’s collective ‘hunger’ under Brendan Rodgers rewarded

Last weekend, Rodgers marked his favourite moment in Celtic’s victory at St Johnstone as Daizen Maeda’s run back to pinch the ball from their striker in the 86th minute.

In many ways, supporters can read into this as a crystallisation of his improved methods in action compared to last season, with instances like this forming the foundation for such a flawless domestic start.

Rodgers stated: “My big thing in making this team different is the attitude in our counter-pressing and our hunger. That was typified no more by Daizen Maeda in the 86th minute getting back in and winning the ball back from their striker.

“When you have that in your team, along with the talent and organisation, then it gives you a big chance. There were many big moments in the game but that was a real favourite of mine. It’s a special gift that he has. He’s such a catalyst for everyone else. Our clean sheet record, our mentality, it all starts from the front. Everyone has to do it. Players like him are so important within that.”

Celtic will motor on despite midweek Champions League woes

Some will argue Celtic’s mettle will be tested after the Bhoys were beaten by Borussia Dortmund convincingly in the Champions League.

That may be true, but there is a spirit among this group that has warranted early-season praise. Ultimately, as bad as Tuesday night was, there is no point in writing off everything else.

Celtic will have far more good moments than bad ones this campaign; they have proven that through a relentless commitment to high-energy football in and out of possession.

Now, it is time for fans to come together and back their onto victory once again, starting with the Bhoys’ trip to Ross County before the international break. Hail Hail!