Brendan Rodgers bristles at Celtic 'tempo' claim as boss takes on familiar narrative with firm slapdown

Irked Brendan Rodgers moved to shut down questions over Celtic's style of play once again after seeing off St Johnstone.

The Hoops moved to the top of the Scottish Premiership table with a 3-1 win over the struggling Perth Saints - with Rangers looking to return to the summit when they face Dundee on Sunday. Goals from Kyogo Furuhashi, Nicolas Kuhn and James Forrest put Celtic on course for victory with Connor Smith's deflected effort proving to be a consolation for Craig Levein's side.

And after the full-time whistle Rodgers took issue with some of cynics who have criticised the tempo of Celtic's play throughout the current campaign. Rodgers has been bullish in his defence of the style implemented at Parkhead this term following the end of the Ange Postecoglou era - previously insisting that his sides are "fast and dynamic.'

Asked on BBC Sportsound why it "clicked" against St Johnstone before it was noted that the "tempo" seemed to be there. Rodgers responded: "No, it's clicked at other times.

"I think there is sometimes negativity around how we have played, but again players work very, very hard. A team playing 4-5-1 is never easy and and half-time Craig (Levein) thickens it up down the sides and the players dealt with that tactical aspect really well. Overall good focus from the team and good professional job."

The Parkhead boss also singled out Kuhn for praise with the January recruit finding top form at Celtic Park after his move from Rapid Vienna. Rodgers told Celtic TV: "I think he is settling in well.

"He is finding his strength and finding his confidence. Day by day in training you can see that. He was very aggressive and was very creative, and obviously scored the goal himself. That is the efficiency you