CELTIC boss Brendan Rodgers has heaped praise on Alloa Athletic for their brave performance during the hoops 2-0 Betfred Cup quarter final win. 

The Wasps fought gallantly with some back to the wall defending to frustrate the Glasgow giants and while the Irishman was pleased with the patience of his side to see the job through, he reckons the visitors deserve all the praise for their display. 

Rodgers told Advertiser Sport: “I think Alloa have to take a lot of credit for the way they played. The main objective in the game for us was to qualify, but we always knew it would be a really tough game for us.

"The character they had to defend they way they did was incredible and they proved that resilience. We had a lot of chances in the first half, but we didn’t take them so there was always that worry of the game becoming a bit edgy. 

“We showed great patience in the end and scored two great goals from James Forrest and Moussa Dembele. We got there in the end and a clean sheet to go with it so we can be pleased to be through.

"The goals were both taken very well. The first one was reward for James who worked hard all evening and then Moussa gets his goal once the game becomes a bit more stretched. They were both two good finishes as well so that was pleasing.

"Alloa deserve a huge amount of respect and plaudits for that, and we deserve credit for being professional and having the patience to get through to the next round.”

Rodgers stunned many by fielding a much stronger team than expected for the visit of the Wee County outfit, but he insists that was down to preparing properly and giving the Wasps the full respect that their excellent cup run had earned them. 

He said: “I think if you look at Alloa’s route to get here, they beat both Inverness and Ross County so we knew they had great resilience and mentality in their team.

"This is a part time team who came here as huge underdogs, but I watched them and gave them the fullest respect by preparing properly for them.

"I knew coming into the game how resilient and tough they were, but for them to come here to play how they did and to defend in such a manner was fantastic.”

The Parkhead gaffer insists he didn’t get a clear of the incident that might have seen his goalkeeper Craig Gordon sent off for a high challenge on Alloa striker Greig Spence. 

Rodgers added: “I didn’t get a clear view of Craig Gordon’s challenge and there was any real problem at the time so I didn’t know if it was a bad challenge or not, but we will review it and take another look.”