'We Knew We Were Going To Have Really Hard For That So To Get That Feeling Was Great'

A Word With The Manager.

- Tony Connelly

FOR Brendan Rodgers, Celtic’s last-gasp winner against Kilmarnock at the weekend illustrated why football evokes such passion from players and fans alike.

The outcome, he said, was the result of a mental focus from his team and one which will be pivotal in the challenges ahead in the remainder of the season.

Celtic captain, Scott Brown scored his second goal in a week in the most dramatic of fashion to secure a big win for Celtic. With the game still goal-less, and the final whistle imminent, it looked as if Celtic would only be taking a point away from Rugby Park.

But Brown changed all that in the blink of an eye with a 90th-minute half-volley that found its way, with the help of a deflection, past the Killie goalkeeper, sending the Hoops captain, his team-mates and the travelling Celtic supporters into delirium.

The reason for that was more than just the fact that Celtic fans love when their captain scores. The result meant the Scottish champions now sit eight points clear at the top of the table, which represents a huge step towards an eighth consecutive league title, considering there are only 12 games remaining.

Brendan Rodgers was full of praise for his captain and the team for delivering a big performance when it mattered most.

“He’s got the smell of it again,” said the manager. “It was a wonderful strike last week when he scored the goal. His anticipation was excellent. It was a great header back by Dedryck and Scott anticipated it and got on to it first before the guy on the edge of the box did.