Brendan Rodgers fires back at Celtic 'broken' claims as he accuses critics of GANGING UP to bring them down

Brendan Rodgers and Stephen Robinson

Brendan Rodgers insists Celtic’s win over St Mirren that kept up his perfect Scottish Cup record proves they aren’t “broken” – as he accused the club’s critics of ganging up to try to “bring them down”.

Goals from Japanese duo Kyogo and Daizen Maeda secured a comfortable 2-0 win in Paisley as Celtic remained on course to defend the trophy they won at Hampden last June. It was an eighth win in nine games for Rodgers’ men but there has been criticism over some of their performances and results this season.

And Rodgers hit back at them following the win in his post match TV interview with Viaplay. The Irishman said: “The narrative around our team is that we’re not together and we’re broken but you can’t come and win very comfortably like that if you’re not. When you’re a winning club with a winning mentality … I think they’re trying to gang up on us now! When you are successful and this club has been for a long period it doesn’t take much for people to want to bring you down.

“It’s about keeping that calmness. We haven’t been consistently playing to that level but we’ll get there and once the pitches get a bit better as well. We managed the game well in the second half. It was always going to be a tricky game. St Mirren are in really good form. The guys did really well and I’m pleased for them. They’re giving us absolutely everything.

“It’s such a tricky tie with the form St Mirren have been in. They’ve had good wins and are high in confidence and have players back from the Asia Cup so it was a big test but we stood up to it defensively. We had moments in the first half but just needed to find one or two better ways to play through the block. We could have scored more in the second half.”

Rodgers sprung a surprise with his formation as goal hero Kyogo and new Bhoy Adam Idah played together. He said: “It’s the first time we’ve done that. We’ve done it in-game and clearly we need more work but it gives us a different option. And it’s important in the modern game to have flexibility.”

Celtic haven’t been helped with injuries to key players and Rodgers updated, saying: “Greg Taylor has been a big miss for us. Someone like Greg when he’s out the team you see what he brings. His technique, his physicality but he’s back training and will be available for next weekend. Carter-Vickers won’t be too long. He’s out on the pitch but it’s been a challenging year for him but he should be okay.”