McGregor: Rodgers said Celtic played like men after Zenit win

Follow us on Google Discover

Callum McGregor was the matchwinner as Celtic beat Zenit.

Celtic midfielder Callum McGregor has told the club’s official website that Brendan Rodgers told the Hoops players that they played “like men” after their 1-0 win over Zenit last Thursday.

The Hoops take a slender advantage to Russia this week thanks to academy graduate McGregor’s excellent second-half finish after an inch-perfect assist from Chelsea loanee Charly Musonda.

A superb rearguard gave Celtic the basis on which to secure victory in the first leg, but the real challenge awaits them in Russia as they have to deal with the Zenit atmosphere as well as a side looking to exact revenge.

But McGregor offered fans encouragement when speaking on Wednesday, after stating what former Liverpool and Swansea City manager Rodgers had told them after last week’s win.

“The manager mentioned after the game that we played like men and with maturity, and the more games that we play at this level, we seem to be getting more and more comfortable,” McGregor said.

“In terms of seeing games out, if you think about Bayern Munich, we scored and then, just three or four minutes later, we lost a goal. Again, that’s another stepping point, being able to see out games as well, and it’s another good positive for us.”

McGregor, 24, is likely to start against Zenit in the second leg this week, as Rodgers looks to mastermind a second-leg performance that can deliver Celtic into the last 16 of the Europa League.

Rodgers will be without the likes of Craig Gordon, Marvin Compper, Dedryck Boyata, Stuart Armstrong, Jonny Hayes, Patrick Roberts and Leigh Griffiths through injury, but Mikael Lustig and Olivier Ntcham are expected to be fit.