Brendan Rodgers was full of praise for the opposition after Celtic’s 5-2 victory over Falkirk sealing a place in the Scottish League Cup semi-final…

The Bairns who came to Celtic Park with a sold-out away allocation played with no fear as they rocked the champions going ahead twice in the first-half.

Four goals in a 20 minute period thanks to the impactful substitutions of first team regulars made it comfortable in the end for the Hoops. However, the Celtic manager was full of admiration for the way Falkirk set up and their approach to the encounter which made the seven-goal thriller a fascinating watch.

READ THIS…Sandman’s Definitive Ratings – Celtic v The Feral Bairns

Speaking to Premier Sports post-match Rodgers said, “you have to give immense credit to Falkirk, I’ve really enjoyed analysing them and watching them because, in terms of a football idea and the game, what John’s doing, they are probably the best team we have played this season in terms of how they want to work the game, how they want the ball. They can be really proud of how they have done.”

Super subs on the hour mark consisting of Arne Engels, Nicholas Kuhn, Greg Taylor and Yang all made a huge difference and changed the complexion of the match. The Celtic manager explained why that was the key to unlocking a packed Falkirk backline, “we make the changes then the fluidity and the pressing becomes natural because they have been playing together for this early part of the season and in the end, we were comfortable winners.”

Celtic v Falkirk – Nicolas Kuhn left celebrates scoring their side s fourth goal of the game with team-mate Adam Idah during the Premier Sports Cup, quarter-final match at Celtic Park on Sunday September 22, 2024. Photo Andrew Milligan

The reward for Celtic is a trip to Hampden to face Jimmy Thelin’s in form Aberdeen. The Dons will be looking to make it back-to-back finals after losing out in the final last campaign.

Dates for the semi-final are 2 November and 3 November, with Celtic most likely to be playing on the Saturday due to their clash with RB Leipzig in the Champions League the following Tuesday.

Conor Spence