Celtic gaffer Brendan Rodgers has highly praised Derek McInnes ahead of the Hoops’ clash with Kilmarnock this Saturday.
The Bhoys know that winning the game will take them three points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership going into Sunday. Such a transpiration would pile the pressure on the closest challengers Rangers ahead of their trip to St. Johnstone.
The Hoops, though, must keep their focus strictly on themselves going into a critical run-in. This weekend, they must be cautious against a Kilmarnock side who are the only team to have beaten them twice this season.
Manager McInnes has gotten the better of Brendan Rodgers both times he has taken his team to Ayrshire this campaign. Despite this, the double-treble-winning boss has acclaimed the work his opposite number has done with Killie.
As quoted by RecordSport, Rodgers was rather complimentary of McInnes: “The job he has done is absolutely brilliant”, he said.
“From going in there and taking them up and then really establishing them in the top six is a fantastic effort.
“In terms of the relationship I have always got on with him. The first time I was up here we exchanged phone calls over numerous things.
“That was of course in the midst of his Aberdeen team that was up there challenging and played us in two cup finals in one season.
“I have a lot of respect for his work, he has a real hunger for the game and his team will provide us with a tough challenge.”
The pair have endured a fair few battles throughout their managerial careers. Rodgers and McInnes will lock horns once more this weekend, with the former in need of three critical title race points for his team.
