DONKEY DERBY

Rodgers rues shot-shy Celtic display against equally toothless Rangers

- BY MICHAEL GANNON

BRENDAN RODGERS is used to being bashed and battered from time to time by the media, fans and plenty of others.

He’ grown a hide like a rhino after months of human shield duty for the Celtic board, fielding constant flank over transfer dithering.

Rodgers has admitted plenty of times he will take the hits.

Yet this one felt like a low blow.

When the Irishman was asked if part of the Ibrox plan was to keep passing backwards and perhaps even playing for a draw, he looked like he had been slapped across the chops.

Rodgers gave it the how-dare-you-stare and said: “No, there wasn't a plan to contain it, it's just the way the game worked. I don't think you go into a game as a Celtic manager and say pass the ball sideways or backwards.

“There’s never been a plan to be a defensive team or club. So no, it definitely wasn't the plan’

He looked affronted. It was more than that for Rodgers though. The 90 minutes at Ibrox were like fingernails being dragged down a blackboard for the Hoops manager.

Rodgers has a vision for Celtic. And that wasnt it.

He wants power and pace, not powder puff and ponderous. He wants adventure rather than safety first. He wants victories rather than bore draws.