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

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.

Falkirk gave Celtic an almighty scare as they became the first team this season to score twice against them.

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