Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has lauded his team’s resilience and effort following their hard-fought 2-0 victory over Dundee United at Parkhead.

Speaking to the BBC after the match, Rodgers acknowledged areas for improvement but commended his players for managing the demands of their gruelling schedule.

Reflecting on the first-half performance, Rodgers noted that his side could have been more decisive in wide areas, but this was most likely disrupted due to the late change to the starting lineup.

Nicolas Kuhn felt something in his thigh, so Rodgers decided it wasn’t worth the risk and replaced him with Yang.

Despite the lack of cutting-edge delivery early on, the Hoops boss stressed the importance of persistence in breaking down a resolute Dundee United defence.

“You want to get into the areas. I think in the first half we could have crossed the ball a bit more.

“I can’t fault the players, they’re giving everything in what is a real demanding schedule. When you’re the team having to take the game to the opponent, it takes a big big effort and I think the effort was there from the players.

“Once we weathered the storm we finished the game really well.

“I have to give huge credit to our players because to play how we want to play takes a lot of effort and energy and mobility.

“The game shows you all the time that you can’t give very little and get a lot back, you have to give everything to the game.”

The win extends Celtic’s lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership to 16 points, offering a welcome buffer as the team looks to balance domestic and European commitments.

Celtic have played a game extra than Rangers, who travel to Dundee on Thursday night as they try to stop themselves from falling even further behind.

Celtic have a busy few weeks ahead. Playing twice a week, Celtic will continue their league campaign and kick off their Scottish Cup run, all while playing for a place in the knockout stage of the Champions League.