Celtic manager Neil Lennon has singled out Australian import Tom Rogic for praise, despite the champion Scottish side’s 3-1 loss to Motherwell at Fir Park on Sunday.
With their second consecutive Scottish title already wrapped up, Lennon took the chance to blood young talent.
Overall Lennon believed his squad players failed to take their chance to shine, however, the exception in his eyes was 20-year-old Rogic.
Despite his disappointment at the defeat Lennon was impressed by the January signing from A-League side Central Coast Mariners after Rogic made a rare start.
Lennon was hopeful there would be more to come from the attacking midfielder.
“It would have done Rogic the world of good today. I thought he was excellent first half though he faded a little bit latterly,” the Celtic manager said.
“I think he’s a bit short in terms of fitness levels which is understandable but once he gets a good pre-season under his belt he should be good to go next year.”
The Hoops seemed to be coping well with the six personnel changes when they took a 40th-minute lead through Gary Hooper.
However, Motherwell were level seconds before the break when Henrik Ojamaa rifled a low shot beyond Fraser Forster.
The Estonian striker then earned his side a 50th-minute penalty which Michael Higdon smashed past the keeper.
A bizarre own goal moved Motherwell further in front five minutes later when Hoops defender Mikel Lustig’s header hit the back of Forster after rebounding off the base of the post.
Celtic face Hibernian in next month’s Scottish Cup final but Lennon said he hadn’t seen anything from his fringe players that would see them grab a place in his plans.
“It’s not about today or even next week, it’s about the cup final and it’s about the close season and getting the players the right rest now,” Lennon said.
“Four were away this week and five will be away from tomorrow. It’s just the way it is.
“We start back the third week in June and start playing the second week in July so it’s a very heavy schedule for players and we need to get the preparations right.
“We’ve won the league and we will have everyone back for two weeks preparation for the cup final and you need to bite the bullet for a couple of games.
“But I still want the team to be competitive. Some players are aware that there is cup final places up for grabs but I’m not too sure they took the opportunity today.
“A few of them looked as if they had switched off in the second half which is unacceptable from our point of view.
“Goals change games and decisions change games. I think harsh decisions have gone against us however we need to do better.
“Squad players who are coming in need to really show they want to be a part of this club for the next two or three years and they need to realise what it means.”
Victory earned Motherwell back-to-back wins over Celtic for the first time in 14 years and moves them nine points clear of third-placed Inverness Caledonian Thistle with three games remaining.
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