“ He will get goals, all different types of goals, and he’ll give everything,” Rodgers | OneFootball

Brendan Rodgers reckons that there are now clear signs that the team is starting to go through the gears as new signings bed into the side and get a better handle on the system and the manner of playing expected in a Celtic jersey.

Brendan Rodgers of Celtic Crvena zvezda v Celtic, UEFA Europa League, Football, Rajko Mitic Stadium, Belgrade, Serbia – 24 September 2025 Belgrade Rajko Mitic Stadium Serbia Photo Nikola Krstic Shutterstock

Speaking at yesterday’s media conference ahead of this afternoon’s 3pm kickoff against Hibs at Celtic Park, the Celtic manager noted the improvement and stated that he expects further development from this season’s squad.

“You start to find the rhythm and, of course, there’s another international break soon,” Brendan said.

“I think now you start to play games, and you start to use the squad more and everything else.

“We showed great spirit the other night. It’s not an easy place to go, and plenty of people will tell you that, but we went and found a way to get a result and make the first steps in the competition and now players are starting to find their levels.”

Kelechi Iheanacho of Celtic celebrates his goal Crvena zvezda v Celtic, UEFA Europa League, Football, Rajko Mitic Stadium, Belgrade, Serbia – 24 September 2025 Belgrade Rajko Mitic Stadium Serbia Photo Nikola Krstic/Shutterstock

The early season problems in the forward positions with key areas yet to be filled, notably on the right wing, Rodgers attributes this to the transfer window failings as a key factor.

“That is a consequence of where we were, obviously from the summer, so we have to look to find it.

“It’s not as natural maybe as where it was last year in some ways, but I think we can see opportunities there for the likes of Kelechi Iheanacho coming into the team and I know he’s a natural striker and he can do really good things for us.

“That’s part of the challenge, of course, is filling the gaps, maybe, where we have some,” Brendan said.

Kelechi Iheanacho scores for Celtic Crvena zvezda v Celtic, UEFA Europa League, Football, Rajko Mitic Stadium, Belgrade, Serbia – 24 Sep 2025Belgrade Rajko Mitic Stadium Serbia Photo Nikola Krstic Shutterstock

Kelechi Iheanacho impact in Belgrade, propels him into the manager’s plans for the starting XI this afternoon against Hibs and Brendan confidently predicts that the former Leicester striker will make a major impact this season for Celtic.

“He’s only going to get better because I know the player and I know how good he can be, and how good he was for me,” Brendan said.

“I’m delighted for him because when he came in I think because of the timing of his arrival and everything that’s around our window it maybe wasn’t so accepting for him to be in.

“But there’s absolutely no doubt, of all the players and lists that came to me that actually was available, he was absolutely the standout player.

“I know his talents and I know how big a player he can be, and now he’s starting to settle into the squad and the group, he’ll show that during his time here.”

On the away supporters in Belgrade chanting Kelechi’s name, the Celtic manager noted that and predicted that we have a new hero in the making here.

“It’s a really big one that one. But again it’s his performance, it’s his endeavour.

Celtic fans ahead of kick-off Crvena zvezda v Celtic, UEFA Europa League, Football, Rajko Mitic Stadium, Belgrade, Serbia – 24 Sep 2025Belgrade Rajko Mitic Stadium Serbia Photo: Nikola Krstic Shutterstock

“The Celtic support will love him come the end of the season. They’ll be won over by his humility, his hard work and his quality on the field because he’s a goal scorer.

“He will get goals, all different types of goals, and he’ll give everything. I’m really pleased for him, it was a wonderful finish. He could have maybe had another one, but he’s like that in every game, he looks like he’s always going to score.”