Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers hits back at recent Chris Sutton criticism

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has defended a recent team selection decision that received criticism from prominent analyst Chris Sutton.

The former Bhoys striker questioned Rodgers’ selection of teenager Daniel Kelly in the recent defeat to Hearts at Tynecastle. He wrote in his Daily Record column that there was “no environment” for the budding 18-year-old potential.

Rodgers takes issue with criticism of Kelly’s contribution in the Scottish Cup match against Livingston, where he played for an additional 30 minutes.

The Celtic manager admires the young midfielder and believes it is his obligation to give Academy players an opportunity to shine.

Brendan Rodgers on developing Daniel Kelly at Celtic

Rodgers did not mention Sutton explicitly, but he did address the media hubbub about his usage of Kelly at Tynecastle, with the outspoken commentator being the most high-profile person to bring it up.

The Celtic manager stated in a media conference today [Celtic YouTube]: “I think anywhere on the pitch, my concentration is always first and foremost on the young players. I believe one of the first things I mentioned when I joined the club was the overarching objective of winning titles and playing exciting football, which is what Celtic fans want. But we want to achieve it with as many young players from our program as possible.

“It is difficult to find nine and ten players, but this club has always had a lot of incredibly young guys. Then you’re attempting to strike a balance between this expectation that the team will win every game.

“I heard somewhere the other week that we were being chastised for adding a young guy to the team, which I find ridiculous. We bring Daniel Kelly on against Hearts, which is reportedly not what should have happened.

“Fortunately, I am responsible for both the club’s short and long term goals, which include bringing in young players to develop, improve, and provide them with experience, with the expectation that they will become better players as a result of that experience.

“Hopefully, in the following years, we can bring those youngsters in to assist the squad and eventually become first-team players. That is something I will constantly focus on.”

Kelly has only made four appearances for the Bhoys, but he has looked quick and ready to work his way into the squad as a rotation option. Every player begins somewhere.

Sutton’s overarching point was about squad depth at a vital point in the season, which is valid to some extent, but young players must understand what it takes to win stressful, pressure-packed games at Celtic.