Manager: James is an outstanding player who continues to make a vital contribution | OneFootball

Brendan Rodgers was delighted to see his team take all three points after a tough game against Dundee at Dens Park to maintain their three-point lead at the top of the Premiership table.

Two James Forrest goals were enough to give the Hoops a 2-1 victory, and while the Celtic manager was pleased with the winger’s goalscoring contribution, he wasn’t surprised.

The Hoops boss knows all about the qualities of the 32-year-old, and having seen him make an impact as a substitute in the Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden last weekend, he was confident that he would be just an important in starting the game against Dundee today (Sunday).

Speaking to Celtic TV after the game, Brendan Rodgers said: “I spoke to the players afterwards about James and he’s been one of the fathers of the big success this club has had over the past decade.

“There’s not too many of them around now – there’s obviously Cal, but James obviously being the longest-serving – and it’s that humility, his attitude, mentality, and then, obviously, his on-pitch quality is something that we’ve seen over many years and has probably never got the credit that he deserves.

“But I’m sure that’ll come at some point, especially when he leaves, but for us now you can see the contribution that he can make.

“He’s a great servant to this club who can be a difference-maker for us in these last five games.

“He’s been there, he’s done it and what he’s achieved for the club is not by accident. He’s obviously been part of really good teams but good teams are made up of really good individual players and he has been an outstanding individual player.

He’s never wavered all season, and he’s making a really good contribution for us and you see the difference he makes when he plays.”

Forrest scored in either half to put Celtic in control of the game, and although Dundee reduced the deficit courtesy of an Adam Idah own goal, the Hoops saw it out to claim three vital points.

The result means that Celtic are three points clear with four matches remaining, the first of them at home next weekend against Hearts.

“It was always going to be difficult today because the pitch was very dry, and just walking on it at the end, seeing how bumpy it was, which made it difficult for fast flowing football – you could see that in terms of the ball bouncing about,” said Brendan Rodgers.

“But the win, at this stage of the season, is what is important.

“So I’m really pleased with the players. We got a goal up and had another couple of opportunities in the first-half. In the second-half we then got control of the game at 2-0, but sadly we gave away the own goal which gave them a bit of hope in the last 15 minutes.

“But we dealt with it well, the balls into the box, we had to defend strong and I’m pleased to get the three points.”

Fixtures

Dundee Vs. Celtic - Sun, Apr 28th 2024, 15:00 Final score: 1 - 2 Match Report