'Performance-wise, it was outstanding,' Brendan Rodgers

Second half strikes from Reo Hatate and Luke McCowan sealed Celtic’s win against the Primeira Liga champions, though a series of squandered opportunities in the first 45 meant the visitors left Portugal without a more emphatic scoreline.

While pleased with his side’s overall performance, Rodgers conceded that their finishing left something to be desired.

Speaking to Celtic TV post-match, the Irishman said: “Performance-wise, it was outstanding. We have made another step in our fitness and our tactical ideas with some players coming in, but I thought overall it was a very good performance, against a team who are really good and who play a difficult system.”

“Tactically, we were excellent in the game with our pressure and pressing. Then, in our play, some of our football was outstanding. We maybe lacked a little bit in the final third of the pitch, at times, just to finish off some great moves, but other than that, it was a great workout.”

Rodgers added: “We scored two goals but could have had more. We spoke beforehand about the importance of our performance. That is our mantra of how we want to play, and I think performance-wise, that was the most pleasing aspect.”

“To play with that confidence was nice, and it was a performance that was at a good level. It was a good workout for us.”

Celtic’s meeting with Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday was their fourth outing of pre season, coming after fixtures with Queen’s Park, Cork City, and Estrela da Amadora.

Rodgers’ men will host Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United at Celtic Park tomorrow afternoon. The Hoops will then travel to Como next week to compete in the inaugural ‘Como Cup.’

Conor Spence