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.

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.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers was delighted with the attitude of his players as they came from behind to beat Falkirk to reach the League Cup semi-finals.

Falkirk manager John McGlynn says his focus is on achieving more success with the Bairns – having been linked with the vacant St Johnstone job.