Brendan Rodgers reveals the Celtic 'gold dust' Harry Kewell is sprinkling that has major Maeda and Palma benefits

Brendan Rodgers only knew him as a world-class player with Leeds United and Liverpool.

But after a one-to-one chat with Harry Kewell before returning as Celtic boss last summer, he knew the Aussie had what it takes to be a Grade A coach too. When Rodgers came back to Glasgow for a second stint at Parkhead he inherited Ange Postecoglou’s backroom team. While he was well aware of John Kennedy’s capabilities from last time round, Kewell and Gavin Strachan were new to him.

When Postecoglou left for Spurs it seemed certain that his countryman would follow. But after meeting Kewell face to face, Rodgers was left hugely impressed by the 45-year-old. And it wasn’t just about the strength of his coaching. It was Kewell’s mentality that left its mark on the Hoops boss. Despite Postecoglou’s exit, the former Socceroos midfielder was totally committed to Celtic. That’s why he’s now a key part of what Rodgers is building at Parkhead.

A few weeks ago when Luis Palma scored a wonder goal in the win over Ross County in Dingwall, the Honduran headed straight for Kewell in the dugout. Japanese winger Daizen Maeda has previously spoken about how his private sessions with the former Champions League winner has improved his game.

Those types of things – allied to the work done by Kennedy, Strachan and Rodgers himself – is why the Hoops gaffer says everything is aligned in the football department to yield success. He said: “I didn’t know Harry and Gavin when I came back.

“But I met Harry prior to taking the job and had a chat with him at my house down south. And I have to say, for a player who was world class in his pomp, the commitment he has to being here at Celtic and helping our wingers is very good.

“With former players like him, they