Paul Lambert names the three Celtic stars who would get into his Hoops team – but says ‘they would maybe make the bench’
PAUL LAMBERT has hailed Brendan Rodgers for the way he’s settled back in at Celtic.
The ex-Hoops skipper reckons Ange Postecoglou would have been a hard act to follow for any boss.
But Lambert said: “After what Ange did in his two years at Celtic, a MAGICIAN would have found it tough to follow him.
“But getting Brendan was a major coup as he knows how to win here. He has changed one or two things, and he is now getting the best out of the team.
“The start of the league season has been great. In the Champions League, we have seen they aren’t far away, but they need that result at home.
“However, what Brendan has done so far is more or less replicating what he did first time around.”
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Lambert was a stylish midfielder in the Martin O’Neill era, and is a fan of the Hoops’ current crop.
Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate and Matt O’Riley have been first-picks under Rodgers, and Lambo feels they provide a nice balance in the engine room.
He told the Celtic Podcast: “Would they get a game in my team? They would maybe make the bench!
“Eras you can never compare. Good players can play in any era.
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“Callum and the other two boys could have played in my team. Could we play in this team? Yes.
“The three lads are all different and they are compatible.
“Hatate gives you drive and energy, O’Riley is a clever player and McGregor could play with a suit on nine times out of ten.
“Everything goes through him and it’s a good mix.
“For another midfielder to come in and play, they have got to be of that ilk.”
Meanwhile, loan midfield star Paulo Bernardo reckons Portugal Under-21s action will set him up perfectly to make his mark at Celts.
The youngster has yet to start a game since joining from Benfica, but he played against Belarus last night, and hopes to push on from that back in Glasgow.
He said: “I’ve been getting some rhythm here, which has been good for me.
“I hope to continue to have playing time at Celtic and show my football. With each training session, I am feeling better and better.”
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