Rodgers marvels at final goal in rout of St Johnstone

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers marvelled at their fifth goal against St Johnstone on Saturday as his team underlined their confidence.

All 11 players touched the ball in the build-up to Moussa Dembele's goal, including goalkeeper Craig Gordon, as Celtic rounded off a 5-2 victory at McDiarmid Park in style.

A total of 24 passes had St Johnstone chasing shadows and the final two were delivered with extra panache. Mikael Lustig executed a "rabona" pass in the box and Callum McGregor's deft backheel set up Dembele to finish first time in a contender for the Ladbrokes Premiership goal of the season.

"All round it was an outstanding team performance. It's a very difficult place to score goals so to get five and look the threat we did was very impressive."

Half-time substitute Dembele netted a hat-trick on his return from a knee injury, although he also got a large slice of luck from referee Craig Thomson, who awarded a very harsh penalty for Celtic for handball against Keith Watson.

"It was real good play," Rodgers told Celtic TV. "By that time we were high in confidence, little combinations, great bit of skill by Mika in the box and Callum had a lovely touch as well to set Moussa up and he wrongfoots the keeper.

"All round it was an outstanding team performance. It's a very difficult place to score goals so to get five and look the threat we did was very impressive."

Rodgers said: "We always feel we can create and score goals and in the second half, our offensive play was outstanding.

"We have obviously played without a number nine in these last few games but to have (Dembele) in the team, you see the difference when you have that striker. Great finishes and great composure."

• superscoreboard
• celtic
• rodgers