Brendan Rodgers reckons Arne Engels could have scored twice in the first half against Hearts at Celtic Park this afternoon but was delighted with the showing from Celtic’s £11m signing…

Arne Engels of Celtic celebrates (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Engels did himself and Reo Hatate a big favour by slotting his second half penalty past Craig Gordon. Had he missed the pair would have heard from the manager about their on-field spur of the moment decision to change the penalty taker.

“He had two great opportunities. One was in the box when he failed to warp his foot around it and it went over the bar and he had another off the post with a bit of quick thinking from a throw-in. He did that well.

“He’s going to be a really good player. He’s tall and athletic. He can run and his touch is good. He presses and counter-presses, I really like him and that’s why we brought him here and at 21 years of age he is only going to improve.

“I am so pleased for him and he gets the penalty and he shows his courage to take it and score,” Brendan said.

Rodgers reckons that such was the manner in which the £11m record signing fitted into the Celtic team today that it didn’t look like it was Engel’s debut match. However the Celtic manager confirmed, there’s still much more to come from the 21 year old Belgium international.

“There is still work we have to do with him in terms of his positioning and that is only natural. How we play and how he gets the itch to go but that is just rhythm and time. That’s the process that these players come into. Overall, I am happy for him,” Brendan said at the post match media conference.

Interesting wee chat between the skipper and Hatate before the penalty kick against Hearts. Reo being a good guy, let's Engels have his moment… pic.twitter.com/ChTSlfVf9w

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Rodgers found himself somewhat surprised that Engels stepped forward to take the penalty kick as it was Reo Hatate who was supposed to be on spot kick duties. The Celtic manager explained: “Reo was our number one penalty taker and Arne was number two.

Arne Engels of Celtic celebrates with his manager Brendan Rodgers after he scores his team’s opening goal during the match between Celtic and Hearts at Celtic Park on September 14, 2024 (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“They trained on Friday with Jack Lyons and he looks after those guys on the penalties. Both of them were very good.

“In terms of the taking of it, I think Reo’s selflessness got the better of him and he gave it to Arne. I am just happy he scored or you might have heard about it! You could see how comfortable he was taking it as he showed great composure and put it away well,” Brendan said.