Rodgers sings Celtic praises

Bhoys boss feels his charges have done everything has asked for

GLASGOW: Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers says he can't ask any more of his players as they extended their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership with a 1-0 defeat of Aberdeen.

The Hoops moved 25 points clear of Rangers, who lost further ground on their rivals following a 4-1 hammering by Hearts on Wednesday, to stretch their unbeaten start to the season to 28 games.

Rodgers' side have dropped just two points in 23 matches following a 2-2 draw with Inverness in September and have won 18 league matches in a row.

But the Celtic manager joked that there was always room for improvement.

"We should have beaten Inverness," said Rodgers jokingly when asked if his side were ahead of schedule in his plans for the club. "Listen, I can't ask for more. Goodness me, they are doing remarkably well.

"I always walk round to give thanks to the supporters and I now look up on a Wednesday evening against St Johnstone and against Aberdeen and the place is packed. That's the best compliment the players can get."

The former Liverpool boss, clearly content with his charges' form this season, continued: "We're building and it's still very early. We have to improve and we have to be better but they've shown a wonderful appetite for self-improvement and to keep going."

Rodgers singled out match-winner Boyata for praise as he scored his second goal in four games since returning to the Celtic starting XI this month.

The Belgian, who also scored the winner against St Johnstone last week, helped the Hoops to another clean sheet and the Celtic manager has been impressed with his attitude.

"He was outstanding again. He deserves all the credit because it was a difficult period for him when he first came in from Manchester City with a lot of expectations," said the Celtic boss.

"But he's really worked hard over the period of the last three months when he's returned to fitness and he's just had to stay patient. He's a wonderful guy and he understands exactly what I'm looking for from a centre-half."

And Boyata revealed late night training sessions had helped him force his way back into the Hoops team.

"I've been through some tough moments and coming back with an injury, and also missing the Euros," said the Belgian. "Even back after the injury you have to get the fitness back. From there, the team is playing well and then you're trying to get a place in the team."