Brendan Rodgers in Celtic awe of Callum McGregor as captain reaches 'different level' during Rangers delight

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has labelled Callum McGregor as the star at the top of their game after he put in a Man of the Match performance in a crucial win against Rangers.

The defending champions move eight points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership as Rodgers saw off Philippe Clement in his first showdown with the Light Blues' boss since he stepped into the Ibrox hot seat - dealing the Belgian his first defeat since taking over at Ibrox. Paulo Bernardo and Kyogo found the net for the home side before Leon Balogun saw red for a pull on Daizen Maeda as he broke through on goal - with James Tavernier netting a late consolation goal.

McGregor was all-action in the midfield and Rodgers told Sky Sports: "Callum is on a different level.. I have worked with him here the first time. We are very lucky to have someone like him, his composure, his view of the game. He's ended up having to play almost two positions. He is a brilliant leader for this group and I am very lucky to have him here as a manager."

The boss did concede goalscorer Kyogo ISN'T at the top of his game. The Japan international has struggled to hit the heights that he achieved during the Ange Postecoglou era since Rodgers arrival - and the Parkhead boss concedes the Hoops talisman is yet to show his best form this term. The Celtic boss was quizzed on if he agreed with criticism of the frontman in recent weeks: "Yeah, I don't think he is at his best.

"But I think he is only a couple of goals away from his goal return his last year. When you play for Celtic to sustain a level is difficult, especially when you have had a couple of years of success in this group.

"You can see there will be a dip for some players - it's natural. But he is still a great