Brendan Rodgers laments Celtic cup spell being broken but vows to bring back the magic despite injury woes

This week has been uncharted territory for Brendan Rodgers.

The Celtic manager suffered setbacks in his first spell at Parkhead but he never had to pick up the pieces after a shock cup exit. Rodgers admits it was magical last time – but the spell has been broken. But rather than spent all week under the duvet lamenting the prospect of another Treble going up in smoke, the Hoops boss is determined to come out fighting. Defeat at Kilmarnock in the Viaplay Cup certainly wasn’t in his script. Having to rebuild this Celtic squad was also not part of his plan when he returned in the summer.But here we are.

Rodgers is now tasked with lifting his injury-ravaged side, get back on the wagon against St Johnstone tomorrow and then prepare his men for Ibrox next week – all while running around doing last minute window shopping. Rodgers didn’t come back expecting a breeze – but he admitted early pain is a new sensation.

“Clearly disappointed,” was how he described his emotions. “My first time here the story was just magical but I was under no illusions that was one of my processes coming in I had to think about.

“Knowing that when I came in the first time how everything was, I pretty much knew it wasn’t going to be like that the second time. But that’s life. We have no God-given right to win every single competition. I know people will look for perfection but it won’t be that. Especially this early on in the process.

“It was really disappointing to lose. I’d say it is very disappointing for 24 hours when you lose. Supporters and everyone else it will hurt for longer.

“As the leader of the team, and the guy who dictates the mood of the team, of course you have to move on. And that is what we will look to do. I know we will get