The men that started the 63 match run

As Celtic celebrated their 63rd domestic match unbeaten yesterday it was a special moment for five of the players on the pitch- those that had been in at the start of the run in May 2016 at home to Motherwell.

The most obvious change is in the dug-out where Brendan Rodgers has replaced Ronny Deila but few who watched the 7-0 demolition of Motherwell could have guessed at what was about to happen to the club.

Virtually everything at the club has been transformed with the fans flocking back in their thousands to such an extent that the SOLD OUT sign was looked out for season ticket sales.

While Rodgers has retained a 4-2-3-1 formation the way that it has been implemented is completely different with no square pegs getting forced into round holes.

These days the flowing football from midfield is a joy to behold with the wingers at ease in the role and backed up by full-backs who understand their role perfectly.

Under Rodgers nothing is left to chance, a different team will be in his thoughts for the trip to Ross County- after that the stakes are upped as the hoops travel to Paris then face Motherwell for the first trophy of the new season.

CRAIG GORDON

Started with a clean sheet at Motherwell and enjoyed another one at St Johnstone.

Apart from a brief spell early last season the former Sunderland man has been in for the duration working behind a variety of defenders this season.

The good days have far outweighed the bad ones but he has been prone to a slip or two, usually overplaying the ball with his feet.

MIKAEL LUSTIG

Still going as strong as ever and a classic example of a career revived by Rodgers.

Cristian Gamboa was brought in early last season and although he deputised he never put the Swede’s place under real threat.

Tony Ralston is the current understudy but Lustig looks good for another season or two.

EFE AMBROSE

Virtually a farewell performance from Efe as his up and down Celtic career came towards the end of the road.

Brendan Rodgers included the Nigerian in his early European matches before sending an SOS to Kolo Toure.

Ambrose is now working again with Neil Lennon with some reports that there could be offers from English clubs in January for the wayward defender.

ERIK SVIATCHENKO

It has been quite a contrast in fortunes for the Dane over the last 18 months.

Things seemed to be moving in the right direction for him in the first half of last season until Dedryck Boyata re-emerged.

This season has been a write off so far due to injury, he has his work to do to recapture a first team jersey.

KIERAN TIERNEY

What more can be said about the best prospect to come through the club since Paul McStay?

He is still getting better on a game by game basis with his recent performance at Aberdeen highlighting just how important he is to the club.

There’s much more to come from our number 63 who has the same enthusiasm as he showed on his Celtic debut.

STEFAN JOHANSEN

His form had dipped in Deila’s second term with rumours about other offers on his mind.

He did feature at the start of the Rodgers’ reign but always seemed to be a likely departure with Fulham offering Celtic a money back deal with 10 months left on his contract.

Johansen has continued to score goals at Fulham, the bank balance will be healthier but it seems unlikely that he’ll be stepping up another level.

CALLUM MCGREGOR

Has had to battle for everything that he has achieved at Celtic, nothing has been presented to him.

He has come to the rescue when the run has been under threat, coming on as a left-back half an hour into the 4-3 win at Motherwell last season and scoring the equalisers this term against St Johnstone and Hibs.

There’s more still to come from the surprise success story of the Rodgers School of Management.

PATRICK ROBERTS

Was the star turn when the first win was achieved, his skill and trickery being the highlight of the dying days of the Deila era.

Last season he had to split duties with James Forrest before finishing the season with a real flourish.

There has been a few highlights this season but a hamstring injury has left him on the sidelines and another month on the treatment table.

TOM ROGIC

There has been plenty of fluctuations in form and memorable goals from the Australian.

Aberdeen seem to be favoured opponents with two SPFL goals last season as well as strikes in each cup final success.

He is still battling with Armstrong and McGregor for the role of support striker but is the most attack minded of the players available to Rodgers.

STUART ARMSTRONG

Like McGregor his form has been transformed under the new management.

He was always bracketed alongside Gary Mackay-Steven but as the winger fell out of favour Armstrong excelled enough to earn a new contract and a song!

There were plenty of memorable goals last season with Rodgers wisely taking him inside from the distressed left sided midfielder of last season.

RYAN CHRISTIE

Played at centre forward against Motherwell and scored his first Celtic goal.

He was in midfield for Rodgers’ first match in charge away to Lincoln Red Imps but his appearances became more fleeting before a January loan move to Aberdeen.

His form at Pittodrie has earned him a Scotland call up but getting a place in next season’s Celtic team will be more difficult.

SUBSTITUTES

Jack Aitchison made the most of his debut setting a variety of records by scoring with his first touch.

This was expected to be the farewell of Emilio Izaguirre but he stood in well for the injured Tierney last season, picking up a Betfred Cup winners medal and a win at Ibrox.

Saidy Janko was one of the mysteries of the Deila days, he was given an early chance by Rodgers but sent out on loan after a disastrous performance away to Hapoel Beer Sheva and is now with St Etienne.