BRENDAN Rodgers last night praised the "persistence and resistance" of his Celtic team last night after they made it 21 domestic matches unbeaten with a 1-0 win against Partick Thistle, then said he was prepared to dig his heels in to keep Croatian central defender Jozo Simunovic at the club in the wake of renewed interest from Italian side Torino.
While the Northern Irishman, who made eight changes from the win against Dundee, admonished his side for their failure to press the ball effectively enough during the first period, a first half strike from Scott Sinclair, on his first start following a hamstring problem, was enough to secure the club's 12th straight league win and move them 14 points clear of Rangers with a game in hand. Including their pre-season adventures, this was Celtic's 41st match of the season.
“It’s not easy but I think you have to credit the players in terms of how they go from game to game to game," said Rodgers, who is hopeful of having Tom Rogic back next week. "I think that was the 41st game we’ve had which is a phenomenal amount. To not slip up domestically really shows a real persistence and resistance that’s in the team and energy to keep going.
“We changed the team about in order to have that freshness and energy in our game and we probably didn’t press the game as much as I’d have liked in the first half," he added. "We should have scored more goals to make it calmer but still having that mentality to win is very, very important."
Reports from Italy last night suggested Serie A outfit Torino were ready to tempt Celtic with a renewed bid for Simunovic, who travelled over to the club with a view to a prospective signing during the summer, but Rodgers insisted the situation has now changed and he was desperate to keep him at the club.
“I think they have probably seen how well he’s been doing," said the Northern Irishman. "He’s only a boy really at 22 years of age and developing very, very well. He’s got all the attributes and still has improvements to make of course, but if you’re a top club you would want someone like him. He’s very much a part of what we’re building here.”
In addition to goal hero Sinclair, Rodgers had praise for 18-year-old debutant Calvin Miller, who he compared to England defender Ryan Bertrand for the manner in which he has transitioned from an attacking player to a left back. “I see similar sort of traits in Calvin where he can do that one position behind," said Rodgers. "But he’s only 18 so he needs time to develop, learn the position and learn the role. He’s got some outstanding qualities that can offer the club something going forward."
Partick Thistle, not for the first time this season, went off into the night bemoaning their inability to capitalise on their chances. Ade Azeez and Ziggy Gordon were the main culprits on the night for a luckless Thistle side who stayed bottom ahead of this visit to Ross County on Friday.
"I don't think a lot of teams will come here and create these type of chances," said assistant manager Scott Paterson. "I know you look at the table and sit bottom of the league. But the belief is still there for the players. We will dust ourselves down and get ready for Friday night's game against Ross County."
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