Celtic manager praises coaching duo as he assess goals against Hearts

Speaking to BBC Sport, the Irishman was asked about the importance of Kyogo getting back to his best and, while he praised the Japanese attacker, the manager praised two members of his coaching staff.

“The first one shows how alive he (Kyogo) is in the box. I thought we were dangerous today from our set-pieces as the delivery was really good. It is a big credit to Gavin Strachan and Greg Wallace as they look at our set-pieces and I thought we looked dangerous.

“The first one comes from the second phase of the corner kick and staying alive within the box and he scores with a great header. The second goal is an incredible finish and what a pass by Matt O’Riley who was brilliant in the game.

“What a wonderful ball and that is Kyogo’s strengths playing on the shoulder of the defender and the last line and you see what comes from it. I think when we got 2-0 ahead we kept going forward and tried to score more goals and we created opportunities.

“I know Reo Hatate was unhappy that he didn’t score from an opportunity and we had other blocks and near misses and we fought all the way to the end.”

It was a good touch from Rodgers to share the recognition of his coaching staff. There has been an improvement in goals from attacking setpieces and the manager will be pleased by the impact by his coaching staff. The team and fans were certainly aligned as the season sets up for a thrilling finale.

Kyogo was back to his fierce best but goals could have come around the team. The display sets Celtic up nicely for next weekend’s Glasgow Derby as Rangers visit Celtic Park in a game that could see Celtic go six points clear.