CELTIC manager Brendan Rodgers saw his side show great resilience to breeze past Livingston at the Tony Macaroni Arena despite goalkeeper Joe Hart’s sending off.
The Hoops No1 was given his marching orders just before the half-hour mark for a last-man challenge on Mohammed Sangare.
Already 1-0 up courtesy of a Reo Hatate penalty, Hart’s dismissal left the Scottish Premiership champions with an hour of football to play with ten men.
But the likelihood of a Livi comeback was quashed by goals from Matt O’Riley and Daizen Maeda – the latter a stunner from distance in the closing stages.
And the Japanese international received special praise by his manager who says he made playing with reduced numbers a lot easier.
Speaking after the victory in West Lothian, the Northern Irishman told Sky Sports Scotland: “We lose Joe which I think is his first ever sending off in his career. So we obviously had a plan for that going down to 10 men and how we want to work.
“I thought the boys were then brilliant in terms of how they took the pressure away, how they tactically moved to block spaces and obviously we were a threat going forward.
“And I think when you have Daizen Maeda in your team, you don’t really have ten men!
“He puts in the work rate of two players, unbelievable mentality.
“But overall, it was a real collective effort that the boys showed – outstanding resilience.”
Asked about the red card, Rodgers added: “Yeah, it was one of those awkward ones – it pops up on the pitch and it is difficult for Joe.
“Obviously, sometimes that will bounce and then skid through. So the referee has made the decision on him.
“From that, it’s about the reaction. I thought Scott Bain came in and was great, keeps the clean sheet and the team, as I said, were tactically excellent.”
After the final whistle, the gaffer ushered a young Hoops fan who had ran onto the pitch back to the stands.
Speaking about the incident after the match, Rodgers also told Sky : “It’s just common sense. The wee guy at the end, he wants to see his heroes. He shouldn’t be punished or prosecuted for that. “Especially when the security guy’s a lot older than him.”
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Next
.jpg?width=1200&auto=webp "How Celtic's perfect start can help break unwanted 23-year Champions League record")
