The Celtic boss came into the Falkirk dressing room after the 5-2 Premier Sports Cup win to pay tribute to the performance. Rodgers was seriously impressed by McGlynn ’s men and the Bairns boss is convinced his side can take confidence for pushing the Parkhead men closer than any other team this season.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers felt Falkirk had posed their biggest challenge of the season but he took responsibility for a disjointed first hour after making eight changes.Falkirk led at Celtic Park approaching the final 20 minutes but substitute Nicolas Kuhn produced two assists for Adam Idah and two goals himself as the Hoops set up a Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Aberdeen.

Brendan Rodgers was full of praise for the opposition after Celtic’s 5-2 victory over Falkirk sealing a place in the Scottish League Cup semi-final… The Bairns who came to Celtic Park with a sold-out away allocation played with no fear as they rocked the champions going ahead twice in the first-half.

Rodgers labelled Falkirk the best team Celtic have come up against this season - and fans think it was a dig at Rangers

Falkirk boss John McGlynn beamed about his players’ stunning showing at Celtic Park as they gave the Scottish Premiership champions a real scare in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final on Sunday.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is wary of the threat posed by more than one familiar face when Falkirk visit Parkhead on Sunday. When the quarter-final draw was made, Rodgers spoke of his admiration for “great man” John McGlynn, who worked in the Celtic backroom staff during the Northern Irishman’s first spell in Glasgow.

The Hoops will face Aberdeen in the semi finals of the Scottish League Cup but were made to work for their place at Hampden Park.