Yesterday’s win over Hearts at Tynecastle provided Celtic with more than three points to kick off the new season with.
Despite being without three key players- Erik Sviachenko, Nir Bitton and Patrick Roberts- and the effect of a draining European tie in midweek Brendan Rodgers side showed the ability, ambition and mentality to ensure that there were no hard luck stories.
Back-to-back wins over Astana and Hearts has transformed the mood of the supporters who now have a team that they can believe in, a team playing to their potential and showing the flexibility to adapt during matches.
As well as bringing in new players Rodgers has installed a different mentality and mindset to the broken crew that he inherited in the summer.
So far all three of his signings have had a positive impact on the side, Moussa Dembele and Scott Sinclair with goals while Kolo Toure’s impact on the defence has been overwhelming.
After the match Rodgers suggested that he was still looking to add two new players before the transfer window closes. He listed how he had signed a defender, a winger and a striker- can it be assumed that he is now looking for a goalkeeper and a midfielder?
CLICK HERE to view the gallery of Rodgers’ Dream XI to take Celtic to success.
 
MICHEL VORM
Like Scott Sinclair, Vorm owes Brendan Rodgers for providing him with the best days of his career.
Rodgers signed Vorm from FC Utrecht in 2011 with the keeper settling instantly into the Swansea side that survived their first season in the Premier League.
His move to Spurs in 2014 has benefited his bank balance rather than his career. As he looks at how Sinclair has settled at Celtic, a move north of the border and being reunited with Rodgers must hold increasing appeal.
 
ERIK SVIATCHENKO
It’s barely a compliment but the Dane could go down as Ronny Deila’s best ever signing.
Sviachenko has handled the transition over to Rodgers in his stride with the new Celtic boss impressed by the responsibility that he shows on the park. His defending is resolute and commitment 100%
Playing in a back three or four shouldn’t unduly trouble the former Midtjylland defender, getting to operate alongside Kolo Toure will bring his game on leaps and bounds.
 
KOLO TOURE
Is providing the argument that there’s more to football than re-sell value.
The former Liverpool man provide a defensive master class against Hearts showing the old fashioned attributes of a defender that simply want to defend his penalty box and goal.
Rodgers knew from early on at Celtic that he required Toure’s experience and ability, all of the other defenders at the club will learn from playing and training alongside a genuine top flight operator.
 
EOGHAN O’CONNELL
Has emerged from deep within the ranks to stake a claim in Rodgers plans. Over a two week period he has been transformed from a prospect to a genuine first team contender.
O’Connell seems to have the rare combination of physical presence and touch on the ball that appeals to the Celtic boss.
At 20 years of age he will benefit more than most from playing alongside Toure. If he continues to develop at the rate he has shown so far this season could be the making of a future Celtic skipper
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PATRICK ROBERTS
Has made a big impact on Rodgers and the Celtic side with the only downside being that he is only on loan for this season. Unfortunately that won’t be changing.
On the upside his move in January allowed him the chance to get acclimatised to the demands of the club regardless of the change in manager.
With his natural skills and willingness to graft for the team Roberts will be a real asseet for Celtic domestically and in Europe.
 
SCOTT BROWN
Has shown how adaptable he is by striking up the same relationship with Brendan Rodgers as he enjoyed with Neil Lennon and Ronny Deila.
Despite the large number of midfield options that Rodgers has Brown’s experience and know how has no rival.
Against Astana and Hearts he demonstrated the leadership skills that are so rare in the modern game, driving Celtic to further successes and silencing his critics will provide Broony with plenty of satisfaction
 
SCOTT SINCLAIR
The long chase for a ‘tired and washed up’ Premier League player suddenly became logical with one lung bursting run and goal against Hearts.
Rodgers retains a long memory and belief in players who have delivered for him in the past, by the sounds of things the feelings are mutual with Sinclair pushing through his move to Celtic.
With his pace he can play anywhere across the midfield or forward positions, his instinct for goalscoring will be priceless in the season ahead
 
Who will provide the finishing touch to Rodgers First Draft Celtic XI?
Joe Allan could have been the answer but was never a go-er, joining in a bidding war at £13m plus with wages to match was never realistic.
Rodgers said yesterday that he had added a defender, a winger, a striker and was hoping for two more. A midfielder would seem likely despite the number of options that he inherited.
A younger Steven Gerrard would be ideal, the older LA Galaxy version may be a possibility in January.
KIERAN TIERNEY
Hasn’t let up since being introduced to first team football, now he is a first choice pick in Brendan Rodgers side.
At left-back or as a wing-back he has taken the role in his stride. His versatility makes him a natural for a Rodgers team.
After a stunning debut season it looks unlikely that he’ll suffer second season syndrome, last season’s disappointments will have him even more determined to enjoy success on all fronts this season.
 
LEIGH GRIFFITHS
Has made a big impact on Rodgers who seems to have quietly ditched the idea of playing last season’s 40 goal striker in a wide role.
His assist for Sinclair at Tynecastle gave that idea some credibility but without doubt Griffiths is best used as a striker.
The goal scored away to Astana turned that tie in Celtic’s direction, it’s likely to be the first of many as the former bad-boy adds more to his game without blunting his edge around goal.
MOUSSA DEMBELE
Justified Rodgers confidence in him with the crucial penalty against Astana that took Celtic into the Champions League play-off.
Without yet hitting the heights the young French striker has shown that he has the ability to score goals and the mentality to stand up to the demands of a Celtic player.
As the season develops, as the team takes shape Dembele will prove his worth by contributing strongly to the team and taking some of the scoring burden away from Leigh Griffiths.
Is this Brendan’s Dream Team?
Vorm; Sviachenko, Toure, O’Connell; Roberts, Brown, Sinclair, ??????, Tierney; Griffiths and Dembele..