Hearts 3-1 Celtic: Rodgers insists Celtic can close eight-point gap in Premiership

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers insists there’s plenty of time for his side to make up the gap to Hearts at the top of the table – but admits a lot of work is needed to improve the team.

A 3-1 defeat at Tynecastle was a second consecutive defeat in the Premiership for the champions, and allowed Derek McInnes’ side to open up an eight-point lead after just nine games. A Dane Murray own goal gave the hosts the lead and though Callum McGregor levelled, second-half goals from Alexandros Kyziridis and Lawrence Shankland earned three points for the hosts.

Rodgers acknowledged Hearts’ strong start to the season but had confidence that his side can hit their stride and catch up in the title race.

“I think the context of today is obviously disappointing in the game and the result,” the Celtic manager said. “But there are 29 games left, and if Hearts aren’t at their best today, then of course, if we can find a consistent level of performance, then there’s absolutely no doubt we can make up the points difference.

“Hearts have made a good start, a really good start in terms of points. Our issues have been well-documented, but we’re working very, very hard with limited time to work on the field to find the solutions.

“Sometimes we have to do it in the game, playing players. But we’ll continue to work to do that.”

The Northern Irishman said will work to squeeze everything he can from the players available and that it’s still early in the season.

“I think when you make a strong start, which Hearts have done, they’ve obviously got one game a week, which is a big advantage,” he said.

“And of course, they’ll feel that they can keep themselves up there. But it’s so early. Win, lose or draw the game today, we wouldn’t have been getting carried away with anything.

“There are so many games, and we’ll continue to focus on trying to maximise what we can get from the players.”

The manager also said his squad has the mentality and desire to turn things around.

“You always have to believe that, and you always have to have that,” he said. “At Celtic, you’re brought in here to deal with pressure. And, like I said, some of these players are growing into it.

“It’s one you have to grow into very quickly. But I have a good bunch of boys that are, they work hard every day. And today, I felt we had a really good opportunity if we played our game and had that courage and belief to play, but we made too many mistakes on and off the ball and didn’t get the result.”