Celtic FC news: Brendan Rodgers says St Mirren are the best side he’s played in Scotland

Brendan Rodgers claimed St Mirren were the best team Celtic have faced in Scotland this season following their 4-1 Scottish Cup win against the Championship side.

The club are bottom of the division, but stunned Celtic Park when Harry Davis scored in the 13th minute and only the crossbar prevented the visitors doubling that lead in the 53rd minute.

However, two goals in a minute through right-back Mikael Lustig and attacker Scott Sinclair ended any prospects of a shock defeat for Celtic with striker Moussa Dembele and substitute Leigh Griffiths adding further goals to take them into the semi-final.

Celtic extended their unbeaten domestic run since the start of the season to 34 games and are 27 points clear of second-placed Aberdeen as they begin preparing for the visit of Old Firm rivals Rangers next week.

Rodgers praised former Alloa boss Jack Ross for the work he has done with St Mirren side since taking over last October.

He said: "They are the best team that we have played domestically, including Premiership teams, without any shadow of a doubt.

"How they are at the bottom of the league I do not know. They are a very good side.

"We played Alloa here so I've got an idea of his coaching ability. He's obviously a very good coach.

"He's gone in there and he's obviously got them very well organised.

"There were a couple of moments in the game that made me think of the level of coach. It's just that extra level of detail which can define coaches. I seen that in his team today.

"They have good speed, they have young players with enthusiasm and energy that can hurt you.

"They have the boys Stephen McGinn and Stephen Mallan in midfield who are technically gifted. They are not worried about hooking it on or smashing it. They play football.

"They have been our biggest threat domestically this season for sure.

"Let's be clear: we ended the game very well in the second half. We were 4-1 up and it could have finished 6-1 or more.

"I want to compliment my players first as they were outstanding but it's worth a mention to St Mirren as they did very well."

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