Brendan Rodgers was encouraged by Arne Engels' debut after he scored from the penalty spot to continue Celtic's perfect start to the Scottish Premiership season with a 2-0 victory over Hearts. (More Football News)
After dominating the opening exchanges, the hosts were offered the chance to take t♊ꦅhe lead from 12 yards early in the second half.
Nicolas Kuhn's cross was blocked by the hand of James Penrice, with Engels making no mistake from the spot to net h𒆙is first Celtic goal since his switch from Augsburg.
Luke McCowan confirmed the triumph in the 89th minute, also scoring his first goal for the club, with Rodgers pleased with the pair, but showering particular pꦐraise on Engels.
"He's here playing in the eight position," Rodg🐼ers said. "He's here with legs and energy and power, he should be able to score goals for us. A good performance from him."
But the encounter could have taken on a muꦚch different complexion after the visitors were awarded a penalty of their own in the first hal🤪f.
Lawrence Shankland's ๊header came off Liam Scales' arm, only for VAR to overturn the decision, and Rodgers believed the right call was eventua♐lly made.
"When th𒁏e ✤referee gives it, it’s always going to be looked at," Rodgers said.
"The ball hits Liam Scales up towards the shoulder on that sleeve p🅺art and that’s not a penalty. By the rul♍e, the officials were correct."
Rodgers' sidꩵe are top of the table with 15 points, ahead of Aberdeen on goal difference, and return to Champions League action on Wednesday when they welcome Slovan Bratislava to Celtic Pa♛rk in their opening match of the competition.
