Brendan Rodgers Celtic press conference in full as goalkeeper stance made clear amid rumbling Joe Hart debate

Brendan Rodgers fielded a range of questions at his pre-Aberdeen press conference - and Celtic praise for Joe Hart were amongst his points to make.

The goalkeeper has come under fire after a mixed start to the season against Ross County, where some feel he could have conceded a penalty for a challenge on Simon Murray while some questioned him for his role in a Jordan White goal during the 4-2 Hoops win. Former Rangers defender Craig Moore insisted on Go Radio that the former England goalkeeper 'has a clanger in his locker' but Rodgers has offered up a strong defence.

When asked to assess his goalkeeping department including Hart, Benjamin Siegrist and Scott Bain at present, his thoughts were clear. The boss said: "Bain was here when I was here and was an excellent understudy. He plays how a modern keeper should play in terms of dealing with the ball a his feet and he makes saves.

"He's been a great support and loyal number two or three since he's been here. Benji I haven't seen so much and he hasn't played so much. But a goalkeeper with a really good attitude to his work and Joe Hart speaks for himself. He's had a fantastic career and he is so ambitious to do well. He knows he is getting towards the end of his timeline as a player but wants to maximise that.

"In order to do that and play as long as he can, he is working ever so hard to be the best he can. He is a great guy and makes crucial saves for the team, like I have said before, it is assessing everything. I always like to give players and the units within that time. We have got through to another three weeks and by the time that time comes, I would then hope I have everyone on board to go forward for a really exciting season."

The boss also discussed his weekend