Manager: The players who came on changed the game for us

Celtic put five goals past Falkirk today (Sunday) at Celtic Park as Brendan Rodgers’ men advanced through to the Scottish League Cup semi-final. After a blistering 5-1 win in the UCL at Paradise on Wednesday night, Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers made eight changes to his starting XI for today’s cup quarter-final. With his side trailing 2-1 at the hour mark, Brendan made four substitutions, and speaking to Celtic TV after the match, the Celts’ manager praised the subs who came on as he reflected on another big win for the Bhoys. “We had to work very hard in the game,” he said. “And that’s what we expected beforehand. “We lacked a bit of fluency in the first 60 minutes, and that’s on me because I need to see players and give them game time. “We got minutes in to the legs of some players, they got the opportunity to play at Celtic Park and then we have the opportunity to make some changes. ‘Obviously you want that contribution to take place and we needed it. The guys who came on changed the direction of the game for us.’ “It’s the third game in what has been a busy week for us, full of emotion and physicality, but the players have come through it so well. “I was pleased with how we finished the game overall and we’re in to the semi-final which is nice.”The draw for the League Cup semi-final took place after the match at Celtic Park, with the Celts drawn against Aberdeen. Looking ahead to that clash at Hampden, Brendan said: “Any semi-final is tough. But we’ll have played Aberdeen before we meet at Hampden, so we’ll get an idea close-up of what they’re like. “In terms of results so far, Jimmy and his staff have done fantastically well. “They’ll arrive with confidence but when that time comes, we’ll be ready for it.”