Brendan Rodgers recommended his Celtic gamers for coping with the demanding fixture schedule after beating Dundee United 2-0 on Wednesday.
Celtic moved 16 factors clear on the Scottish Premiership summit with their 18th win of the season because of targets in both half from Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate.
They’ve now saved a clear sheet in 17 of their 21 video games this marketing campaign, whereas additionally main the scoring charts with 57 targets, 20 greater than second-placed Rangers.
However their win over United was already their third sport of 2025, having been crushed by Rangers final week earlier than easing previous St. Mirren three days in the past.
Rodgers’ aspect nonetheless have six extra fixtures to play in January, which embody Champions League ties in opposition to Younger Boys and Aston Villa of their quest for the knockout levels.
However the Celtic boss lauded his aspect’s show in opposition to United at Celtic Park, regardless of weathering a storm within the second half after a dominant opening interval.
The guests did not register a shot within the first 45 minutes however improved after the break, with Kasper Schmeichel saving efforts from Glenn Middleton and Sam Dalby late on.
“Regardless of how dominant you might be you’re going to need to defend for a number of the spells,” Rodgers advised BBC Sport.
“It’s a must to take care of that and equity to the gamers they did that actually effectively. Then we get the second aim and put the sport to mattress.
“There are two groups taking part in within the sport, you need to get into the areas. I feel within the first half we may have crossed the ball a bit extra.
“I can’t fault the gamers, they’re giving every part in what’s an actual demanding schedule.
“Once you’re the group having to take the sport to the opponent, it takes a giant huge effort and I feel the hassle was there from the gamers.
“As soon as we weathered the storm we completed the sport rather well.
“I’ve to present large credit score to our gamers as a result of to play how we need to play takes a variety of effort and vitality and mobility.
“The sport exhibits you on a regular basis that you may’t give little or no and get lots again, it’s a must to give every part to the sport.”