Brendan Rodgers thought Celtic fans had forgotten his name after 'awkward' return

Brendan Rodgers joked he thought Celtic fans had forgotten his NAME as the full away end paid tribute to the manager of the champions.

Rodgers has taken a while to win back a section of the Hoops support after walking out on the club for Leicester City in February 2019. But the Northern Irishman appears to have redeemed himself in the eyes of the green-and-white faithful as they chanted his name loud and clear at Rugby Park.

Rodgers was over the moon after leading the Parkhead side to three-in-a-row and confessed he felt some awkward tension with the fanbase during the early stages of the season after replacing Ange Postecoglou.

Asked about hearing his song, Rodgers said: "It felt really good. I thought they forgot the name! It was about the team this evening and the support staff have been so good. There was so much stuff in the first six months it felt a little bit awkward, I've got to be honest, and awkward for everyone I think.

"It was a bit surreal and then there were lots of challenges from a manager's perspective. There was a lot of tedious stuff that took place that I've never had before in my career. So the challenge was making sure that that inner voice of the team was right, no matter the negativity, going back to August, that has followed the team all the way through.

"It was just about making sure we stayed on point, our work, preparation and focus, knowing that the players would get to a level and intensity to what my teams normally play. As if by magic, that's how it has ended up. That spirit in the team is absolutely key. No winning team doesn't have that, you have to have that, and it was such a great night for the club."