HAND OF FRAUD

Bren doesn't give two shakes about being left hanging by Simeone or pundits singing praises of his team

- MICHAEL GANNON

BRENDAN RODGERS won't get too hung up after being left hanging for a handshake from Diego Simeone.

And the Celtic boss won't get too worked up over the Champions League pat on the back either.

Rodgers is more concerned about how his team are handling themselves on the big stage and the fact they ate getting to grips with the level.

It was perhaps a sign of how the other night went that Atletico Madrid man in black Simeone was too wrapped up in fist pump celebrations after the Parkhead draw to notice his opposite number waiting around.

Rodgers took it as a backhanded compliment as his side had the Spaniards rattled.

The Hoops gaffer said: "In this country we're very much around respect. You always hold out your hand. I know abroad they're not so keen on it and they do their own thing.

It doesn't worry me.

"We probably surprised Atletico Madrid with our genuine quality and intensity so afterwards they would have gone back home and sat on the plane saying we were a good side.

"He's a fantastic manager and he's done great things with them so it doesn't matter to me." In fairness, Simeone didn't hold back with his praise of the Parkhead men afterwards and neither did the pundits.