Brendan Rodgers: We can stay calm and pass - or play Scottish football

Brendan Rodgers has told Celtic fans to stay calm following the fraught 1-1 Ladbrokes Premiership draw with St Johnstone.

Brendan Rodgers saw his side draw with St Johnstone. Picture: SNS

There was some disgruntlement inside Celtic Park after goalkeeper Craig Gordon’s poor attempt to play out from the back led to Saints striker Steven MacLean firing in the opener just before the break.

That frustration was heard again in the second half when left-back Kieran Tierney gave possession away, which led the Northern Irishman to signal to the supporters to simmer down.

Substitute Callum McGregor scored a late leveller to extend the Hoops’ unbeaten domestic run to 53 matches.

Rodgers was happy to take responsibility for the visitors’ goal, saying: “I always ask the players to play, to have the courage and the nerve to do that and if they make a mistake it is up to me.

“We had one example with Kieran, under pressure with no-one near him, probably felt as a young player that he had to smash it forward and we end up giving the ball away.

“It (I) was signalling to stay calm. This is football.

“You have to stay calm when under pressure, not just the players but outside.

“Or you can play Scottish football. Just smash it up the pitch. It hasn’t got you anywhere for 20-odd years.

“It is understandable that the supporters want to see the ball in the box.

“But I’ve said since I came up here, the quicker it goes forward the quicker it comes back at you.”