Former Celtic hero and now pundit Chris Sutton thinks that his old team will be thrilled with the result of Brendan Rodgers’ recent SFA hearing.
The gaffer was handed a one-match ban, with another suspended, meaning that although he won’t be in the dugout on Sunday against Livingston, he will be front and centre at Ibrox next weekend.
Sutton thinks that Celtic will be quietly elated with this result, particularly because Rodgers’ tactical nous could prove pivotal in the Glasgow Derby. He said: [RecordSport] “We all know they will be secretly delighted with the result of Thursday’s SFA disciplinary hearing at Hampden.
“Rodgers will be in the technical area at Ibrox next weekend – and that has to be a win.
“There is no doubt to me having Rodgers in the technical area for the Glasgow Derby is a major bonus. He has shown over the years that is where he is at his best.
“You go back to his time in charge in the 3-2 win at Ibrox with 10 men. Rodgers’ in-game management was superb, and his bill move to keep two up top paid off and probably delivered the title that day.
“At Leicester City as well. Look at the way he won the FA Cup against a Chelsea side that went on to win the Champions League a few weeks later. The same with his 5-2 win against Manchester City.
“No one can argue about Rodgers’ tactical acumen. He has an ability to see things on the pitch and make the key decisions that can alter games. That will be crucial for the derby when anything can happen and all hell can break loose at any moment.
There is no doubt that having the boss in the technical area at Ibrox next weekend will be of benefit to Celtic. The team should have enough to get past Livingston without him, though.
John Kennedy will be the figurehead for The Bhoys on Sunday, with Joe Hart recently talking up his managerial credentials.
Kick-off at the Tony Macaroni is at noon and nothing matters more for Celtic than securing three pivotal points in one of the closest title races in over a decade.
