Brendan Rodgers bears no Celtic grudges towards SFA as he hails 'courageous' Hampden beaks for coming clean

Brendan Rodgers reckons the SFA deserve a pat on the back for coming clean on VAR cock-ups. And the Hoops boss insists he doesn’t bear a grudge even though he was proved right over complaints that copped him a touchline ban.

Rodgers – who is out to ramp up the pressure on Premiership rivals Rangers with a win against Hearts – was slapped with a suspension for questioning the competence of VAR officials in his side’s defeat at Tynecastle in March. The SFA this week insisted the controversial red card for Yang that day was correct – but admitted the Jambos and Celtic penalties were dud calls, among a list of 26 mistakes from Clydesdale House.

Rodgers welcomed the feedback from the beaks and hopes it can help get more calls right in the future. He said: "I think transparency is important, for sure, and it shows courage from them to come out and disclose that. So that level of transparency and reflection will always help the game.

"I also think up here resources will help the game, helping referees and supporting them with the best technology and best education. That is what will also help. But for them to come out, you have to say well done to them, but it doesn't change anything from my perspective.

“My feeling at the time was they weren't correct so it just confirms really where it was at a few months later. It's gone, we served our punishment and we didn't get the result. and now, as we did way back then, we move on.”

Rodgers is not looking back as he’s out to crank up the heat on Gers with the chance to go six points ahead with the Ibrox men not playing until Sunday. He said: “Listen, I can sit here and lie and say ‘no.’ But the scoreboard pressure is always there, it’s always there. It doesn’t count for much if you don’t do the job.

“Playing second then, of course, you will know the other team’s result. You have to focus primarily on yourselves. But it can certainly add weight, especially at this time of the season.

“It's a very important month. May is always important because that's when the trophies are given out if you're in this sort of fight and in this battle. I really enjoy it, it's a great part of the season but you always have to remain focused and concentrated.

“It's great for the supporters to dream and be there when it's so tight. But for us, we really have to focus on our job on the field. If we can do that then we can finish up and have a really good season.”

Rodgers has Daizen Maeda back in business for the Jambos clash and Callum McGregor has taken a leap forward with his fitness battle this week. The Hoops gaffer admitted he was thrilled to secure Liam Scales on a new four-year deal and revealed full back Greg Taylor is next on his contract wish list.

Rodgers said: “I’m delighted. Liam has been a real stalwart this season. Last summer it was probably in doubt where he was going to play.

“Hopefully this summer he can end a winner and an international football player, having signed a new deal. It’s a great reward for his work over the course of the season. He’s dug us out of a hole for a lot of this season when we have had a lot of inconsistencies in that position. I’m delighted he feels rewarded for that.”

Taylor is entering the final year of his deal and talks have now got underway. Rodgers said: “I would love to keep Greg here. It’s something we have spoken on.

“It’s obviously with the club and the agent to try and resolve. But in the meantime Greg’s focus is very much on the team. I really like him as a person, he is a good guy and very hungry and committed and professional.

“He sacrifices a lot in his life to be a footballer and that’s the kind of people you want here. So, yeah, hopefully something can be resolved on him.”