Former Celtic and Hibs midfielder Jackson Irvine has labelled Brendan Rodgers as someone capable of 'doing it at the highest level' as he jetted into Glasgow to sign a three-year deal at Parkhead.
Ange Postecoglou's departure to Tottenham signalled the end of a short but sweet tenure at Parkhead, with the Australian leaving for the riches of the Premier League after a five-trophy haul from a possible six in his time at the Hoops. Celtic fans could have feared the worst, but it is a situation that has seen the return of an already-accomplished boss in the Scottish Premiership - not often can that be said for a manager appointment at either Celtic or Rangers.
Rodgers comes back to Celtic Park after two fifth-placed finishes in the Premier League, an FA Cup triumph and a Europa Conference League semi-final, before last seasons' tumultuous season saw him leave at the beginning of April. However, despite his recent shortcomings, Irvine believes Rodgers is one of the best in the business.
Irvine said: "It’s a great appointment. He has the emotional connection to the club which is so important at a club like that.
"He needs to really understand the fans and the city. I know there was a bit of controversy around the way he left to go to Leicester City, but there’s no doubt Celtic are getting a top coach who is capable of doing it at the highest level.
"The big challenge for him now will be maintaining the dominance in the league, and trying to then push those performances into Champions League success and seeing the club in those knockout stages where they have been in the past."
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