A fantastic first half performance today saw Celtic race into another 3-0 lead at the break.

As expected St. Johnstone sat behind the ball from the off in attempt to frustrate Celtic, but whereas in previous seasons we may have struggled to penetrate a stubborn defence, this year our forward players look fitter and most importantly, confident on the ball. There is a swagger back in the Celtic attack, and the front four were blistering in the first half.

With back-to-back 4th placed finishes in the SPFL Premiership, St. Johnstone are by no means pushovers, especially on their own turf, but today they couldn’t live with the pace, skill, and movement of our play.

James Forrest continued his fine form and picked up the Man of the Match award (and is slowly but surely winning the support – myself included – back round); Sinclair added another goal to his impressive early season tally; but for me it was Tom Rogic who was the star of the show. 

Physically strong in possession, tricky on the ball, and with the ability to carve the opposition defence open, Tom is beginning to ensure his name is one of the first on the team sheet. What impresses me most about Rogic is his anticipation to turn away from his man; countless times today Tom would receive the ball with his back to goal, and with a drop of the shoulder (sorry, I had to throw that in there) roll away from his marker. With his improved fitness now combining with his natural ability as a footballer, Rogic is beginning to dominate games in the final third, dictating the pace and picking off the runs of our wide men.

With Paddy Roberts and Moussa Dembele still to come into the the starting XI our attacking arsenal is certainly looking an exciting prospect.

A lapse in concentration late on saw another 2 goals conceded from a commanding position, but, with Brendan Rodgers having rung the changes in the second half, the rhythm of the side had no doubt been disrupted – plus Celtic were momentarily reduced to 10 men as St. Johnstone’s second goal was scored.

Brendan will be keen to ensure we improve our ability to see a game out, but with a mentality to dominate and attack teams at every opportunity we may have to expect the odd counter attacking goal conceded throughout the season.

As we enter our most important week of the season there is a buzz amongst the supporters, and most importantly there is a buzz and a belief amongst the players. From the gloomy atmosphere of last year; instilling a confident and energised Celtic was the most important task put in front of the new manager this summer, and so far he has done this with aplomb.

The higher calibre signings, the increased confidence, and the feel good factor; we call that the Brendan effect.