Rodgers standing by Kolo Toure

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers insists he will have no hesitation throwing Kolo Toure back into the Old Firm spotlight after his Champions League nightmare.

The Ivorian was to blame for both the goals the Hoops conceded in Wednesday night's 2-0 defeat to Borussia Monchengladbach at Parkhead.

But Rodgers refuses to point the finger of blame at his former Liverpool lieutenant.

The Celtic manager praised the 35-year-old for turning down more lucrative offers elsewhere to join his side in the summer and reckons that shows a steely character which will enable him to cope with the unique pressures which await in Sunday's Betfred Cup semi-final showdown with Rangers.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the Hampden clash, the Northern Irishman said:

"Kolo is a wonderful player. The mark of the man is that after the game and the couple of moments he had, he came straight out and held his hands up.

"This is a guy who at 35 years of age could have travelled anywhere in the world to play, make a load of money, eat nice food and just relax and enjoyed his life.

"Instead he wanted to play at a top European club in the best possible competition he could, so he came here to Celtic.

"And he's been absolutely brilliant since he came here.

"It's just unfortunate the mistakes the other night. No one feels it more than him but we are very much together.

"Of course the spotlight goes on to Kolo but he's a strong guy mentally and will be fine the next time he is asked to play.''