The Brendan Effect

Celtic have completely transformed as a team since Brendan Rodgers was appointed manager last May. This transformation is not down to the amount of signings that Rodgers has made, really, only two of Rodgers signings have seen regular first team football this season.

Lets look at some of the previous starting lineups that we have seen under Rodgers. In the away draw to Gladbach, Sinclair and Dembele were the only two players on the park that were not available to Delia last season. In the 3-0 League cup win over Aberdeen, Dembele was the only new player in the lineup. During yesterdays inspired win over Motherwell only two Rodgers signings, Dembele and Toure. This shows the impact that Rodgers has had since being appointed as manager.

Does this mean that last years Celtic team were only one or two players away from being this good? No, Demebele has been phenomenal but Griffiths form last season was just as good. Sinclair has been a phenomenal addition to the team but the biggest difference is in last years under- performers.

Players such as Scott Brown, Stuart Armstrong and James Forrest have been phenomenal for Celtic thus far seeing big improvements since last season. These three players have been key figures in the Celtic first team and were all available to Delia last season but their form was much worse.

Rodgers has came into Celtic and turned things right around and the club looks to be heading on the right path to regular Champions League football. Undefeated in all domestic competitions thus far it shows that Brendan Rodgers has done something special with this group turning last years under performers into key players for Celtic this season.

Scott Brown bosses the midfield in numerous Champions League games and James Forrest's performance in the League Cup final earned him Man of The Match. Meanwhile the new Stuart Armstrong has been in superb form chipping in with goals and assists since taking Nir Bitton's spot in Central Midfield.

Rodgers has changed this Celtic side with the same players that Delia had, under Brendan Rodgers the future looks bright for the Hoops.