C'MON THE LOOPS

It's Friday night delights for Celts as Bren brings back the tie and his men impress for the occassion

- MICHAEL GANNON AT CELTIC PARK

BRENDAN RODGERS had his club tie back on - and his Celtic side left Falkirk in knots in a Premier Sports Cup pummelling.

The Hoops gaffer laughed off the conspiracy theories surrounding his choice of clothing at Pittodrie last weekend.

He was suited and booted again for the Bairns and his team looked sharp as well.

The holders had a stranglehold on Falkirk from start to finish in their most polished performance of the season to soar into the last eight.

Daizen Maeda grabbed his first goal of this term, Alistair Johnston and youngster Dane Murray extended the lead before Liam Henderson's unfortunate own goal from sub Yang's cross made it 4-0. Keelan Adams slammed a stunning consolation into the top corner and while the Bairns had their moments on the break, it was a impressive show of power from the Parkhead men.

Rodgers made six changes with next week's Champions League showdown with Kairat in mind but it was far from a weakened team.

And it could have been way worse for Falkirk as the bumper crowd at Parkhead enjoyed a Friday night party.

Maeda's diving header started the rout, burying a headed assist from the impressive Kieran Tierney. Johnston curled in a left-footed beauty after Luke McCowan's brilliant pressing and Murray's thumping header from Arne Engel's corner put the Hoops out of sight before the own goal and Adams' ripper.

Celtic may still be searching for reinforcements but they are finding form going into the Europe clash.

CELTS WARMING UP NICELY