Before tonight’s match I picked out five players who needed to put in a big performance. Kolo Toure missed out but of the others there were three hits and one miss.
As a game it was the perfect exercise ahead of the visit from Hapoel Beer Sheva in seven nights time.
The Israeli champions will present a far more formidable obstacle to Rodgers side but with the combination of pace and confidence pouring through the side there are strong grounds for optimism ahead of the Champions League play-off ties.
It’s unlikely that Celtic will be as attack minded against Hapoel, with a manager that likes to alter tactics during a match the predictable old ways of Ronny Deila are firmly in the past.
Rodgers will have some big decisions to make before picking his side to face Hapoel, what does seem fairly certain is that there will be a 14 man approach to the match as the Irishman utilises his squad to the maximum to reach the big prize.
CLICK HERE to view the gallery of last night’s key performances.
CRAIG GORDON
Another worryingly nervous performance from a player who suddenly seems very short on confidence.
His first involvement was another unconvincing venture outside of the penalty box, although it didn’t have the same consequences as last week it was another worrying example of indecision.
Gordon had little to do throughout the match but rarely looked in command with suspect decision making, spilling a late shot into the path of Scott McDonald won’t have helped his confidence.
Goalkeeping coach Stevie Woods will need to be at his best over the next seven days to get the keeper tuned in for a crucial 90 minutes.
EOGHAN O’CONNELL
Another flawless performance from a defender who is impressing more game by game.
Whether it’s Mikael Lustig or Kolo Toure that he is playing alongside O’Connell needs little supervision as he plays with a maturity way beyond his years- would Dedryck Boyata or Jozo Simunovic be an improvement?
His quick passing seem ideally suited to a Brendan Rodgers side, with experience he is going to get better and better. Whether it’s Astana, Hapoel or anyone else the young Irishman looks capable of handling any level of opponent without getting flustered.
EMILIO IZAGUIRRE
Stepped in competently for Kieran Tierney and proved that he still has the game to handle domestic opponents with ease.
He linked up well with Scott Sinclair down the left but as ever his crossing left a lot to be desired.
With his experience and know how he can still be an asset over the season but the magic and excitement of his first season are now a distant memory.
Rodgers will use Izzy well over the season but unless Tierney picks up an injury his involvement will mainly be from the bench.
MOUSSA DEMBELE
Is warming nicely to the task, hopefully Hapoel Beer Sharen will feel the full force of the Fulham.
After seeing a shot deflected onto the bar he stepped up to put a penalty away in his unorthodox style.
In the second half he was put through on goal on his left but frustratingly had to cut the ball onto his right foot before curling his shot over the bar. His second goal was more of a traditional strikers finish, it did take a deflection but looked like finding the net anyway.