Brendan Rodgers delighted with Friday night victory under the lights at Paradise

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Celtic F.C.

·15 août 2025

Brendan Rodgers delighted with Friday night victory under the lights at Paradise

Brendan Rodgers was delighted with his side’s performance as they defeated Falkirk 4-1 at home to progress to the last eight of the Premier Sports Cup.

Daizen Maeda gave the Hoops a first-half lead, while second-half goals from Alistair Johnston, Dane Murray and a Falkirk own goal set the seal on an emphatic victory for the cup holders.

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They will find out who they face when the draw for the last eight is made on Saturday night, and while the focus from tomorrow will be on the UEFA Champions League play-off tie against FC Kairat on Wednesday night, the Celtic manager reflected on an impressive display from his side under the lights on Friday night.

Speaking to Celtic TV after the game, he said: “I thought it was a very good performance. We started the game where we wanted to in that first five minutes.

"The tempo was really good, we were precise in our passing and scored some outstanding goals.

“To be fair to Scott Bain, he’s made some very good saves for them.

"Falkirk are a dangerous team if you let them play because they’ve got good flexibility and good technical players, but I think we dominated the game and, overall, I’m really pleased.”

Alistair Johnston’s performance, including his superb goal, earned him a well-deserved Man of the Match Award, and his manager was pleased with his contribution.

“We said to him at half-time that he needed to come inside the pressure, and that was a great example,” said Brendan Rodgers, “and it was a wonderful finish. He guided it into the far corner, so I’m really pleased for him.

“Every game, the opening five minutes is very important for us, so that’s something we want to bring to the game on Wednesday.

“Being at home in the first leg, you want to bring an advantage away with you, so if we play like that and put in that performance then we can have a really good opportunity to take a lead away with us.”