Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers is riled by Hoops’ Euro critics

BRENDAN RODGERS has launched a stout defence of his players ahead of tomorrow’s Europa League draw.

Rodgers has had nothing but success in domestic football and remain unbeaten.

It’s a different story in Europe, however, with Celtic avoiding defeat only once in their six Champions League group games.

The manager is irked by the level of criticism coming his players’ way – and is looking forward to the Europa League knock-out stage next year.

But the Hoops boss believes their critics should look at the bigger picture.

Rodgers said: “Look where the players were 18 months ago.

“It was a club who hadn’t qualified for a Champions League in three years, who finished bottom of their Europa League group and never won a game.

“We have qualified for two campaigns with virtually the same players and now made the step into the Europa League knockout stages, yet they’re being absolutely crucified.

“So we go into this draw with reality, knowing where we’re at, and knowing, in terms of budget and everything else, that playing against the Atletico Madrids, Arsenals and Villareals, it’s a world away from where we are.

“But it doesn’t stop us going in with excitement.

“It really doesn’t matter who we play. We’ll be criticised either way.

“There’s no preference for me, same as there wasn’t in the groups.

“You just want the best players coming to these shores and to play against them.”

Roders paid tribute to Scott Sinclair’s determination to play through the pain barrier in midweek.

Last season’s Player of the Year hasn’t shown the form that made him such a potent attacking threat during his first term with Celtic.

But the Parkhead boss says the Englishman has been handicapped by fitness problems.

Sinclair was replaced at half-time during the defeat by Anderlecht, and Rodgers said: “To be fair, Scotty has put himself out a few times this season when he wasn’t 100%. The other night, he played after having a really bad knock on his ankle at home to Motherwell.

“I’d say probably eight out of 10 players probably wouldn’t have made themselves available for that game on a Tuesday.

“He wanted to help the team, but clearly he wasn’t quite at his physical best.”

While Sinclair is having problems, Rodgers believes Odsonne Edouard has now established himself as a member of the first-team squad.

There’s every chance he will be involved against Hibs at Easter Road this afternoon.

The Celtic boss revealed that he spoke to the 19-year-old, along with coach Kolo Toure.

He said: “Kolo and I have had a great chat with him, expressing the demands of a big club.

“You can be as talented as you want, but it’s a working talent.

“You have to be on it every day in training.

“At lesser clubs, you could not do so well in training and know you are going to play

“That’s why some go to a big club and wonder why they suffer.

“The penny has dropped with him and in training he’s now aggressive, he’s no longer timid.

“I have no qualms of him playing at all now.

“Hopefully, from now through until the end of the season, you’ll see the talent whether he’s playing or coming off the bench.”

Many believe Neil Lennon could be the manager to stop Celtic’s long unbeaten run.

Rodgers respects Hibs, but doesn’t feel any extra pressure because it’s his old mate in charge of the Easter Road side.

He said: “Every team that goes in against us wants to end it.

“I can only worry about us. I don’t worry about the opponent. We will finalise our tactical preparation for them.

“Human nature tells you this remarkable sequence of games will end at some point.

“We know it will be a tough game because Hibs have proven they’re a tough opponent.

“We aim to find the answers. If we don’t, it’s OK.

“We’ll come back, review and get on with life.”