WHAT A LOAD OF SCRAP

Rodgers hails his Bhoys' battling qualities

- MICHAEL GANNON

QUALITY is one of the words of the season at Celtic. 

Brendan Rodgers has talked a lot about the search for it when it comes to signings.

He’s spoken about a lack of it at times this season and the continued quest to add to it at Parkhead.

But it was used in a different context at the SMISA yesterday.

Rodgers looked at his ravaged squad – who have copped flak and even been written off – and could see their battling qualities.

The Hoops gaffer witnessed it in abundance in Paisley where they had to win the scrap with St Mirren to stay in the Scottish Cup and the hunt to land a double.

The Buddies were brave and bold but Celtic stood up to them – and their quality shone through as they set up a last-eight clash with Livingston.

Rodgers said: “I said to the players that I had great pride in them because there was a narrative around the team that if they’re not strong minded and don’t establish a collective mentality it could hurt you, especially with so many young players.

“But they came through it very well and showed they are fighting and working very well together.

“It was a tricky tie but we got through. We are all in for this competition and the league.

“I thought the boys did really well in tricky conditions. It was always going to be a tough game with St Mirren in good form.

“I thought the guys handled it really well. We knew we had to defend lots of direct balls and lots of balls into the box.