Brendan Rodgers puts Celtic in sync vow to the test as he reveals run-out could prove crucial for fringe men

Brendan Rodgers wants an in sync Celtic to continue their solid form when Motherwell come to town on Saturday.

The Irishman has had the international break to mull over the Hoops' start to the Scottish Premiership campaign, with the champions still the only unbeaten side in the top flight as a 6-0 mauling of Aberdeen signalled the perfect sign-off from domestic action. Celtic were synchronised against Barry Robson's men following a hiding of their own in the Champions League at the hands of Atletico Madrid, but Rodgers reckons some behind-the-scenes action during the break has helped his cohort.

While the Hoops boss has watched the likes of Luis Palma and Callum McGregor flourish for their country, some stars yet to meet expectations have been put through their paces in the interim. Rodgers revealed that some first team stars, including summer arrival Gustaf Lagerbielke and fringe man Yuki Kobayashi, featured in Cammy Kerr's testimonial against Dundee in a crucial run-out.

But the 50-year-old is expecting a Steelmen side out to put the champions' resolve to the test after late drama the last time the two sides met at Fir Park.

He said: “We had a really good game against them and Stuart is an excellent young coach who is developing a style there. When I see them play they are very well coached and they work very hard so, for us, we will give them that respect.

“We come back off an international break and we very quickly have to get the team synchronised again and start off where we left off in our last home game. But we will prepare for a tough game but our focus is working on how we want to.

“There has been a little bit of recovery, a little bit of rest, a little bit of work. Some of the players played in a testimonial