The key Celtic trait that puts Rodgers' current team ahead of 16/17 Invincibles as 'We Never Stop' ethos factored in

Celtic legend Gordon Strachan has explained why he believes Brendan Rodgers’ current crop of first-team stars are BETTER than his 2016/17 ‘Invincible’ side - putting it down to one thing in particular.

The former Hoops and Scotland boss reckons the main difference between the 2017 treble-winners that went unbeaten over the course of the campaign to this season’s unstoppable side is energy, claiming there’s more of it in the current XI because of the legacy that former manager Ange Postecoglou left behind.

Rodgers inherited a group of players who were blooded during the ‘We Never Stop’ ethos of the Postecoglou years and Strachan has praised the club’s hierarchy - led by the likes of chairman Peter Lawwell and chief executive Michael Nicholson - for ensuring that their recruitment and development of players has been so good.

He told Gambling Zone: “There seems to be more energy in this team. I think there's a hybrid between Ange and Brendan, which is great. And it's good work by the people at the top to make sure that happens. They put a bit of thought into what's going on.

“I think a lot of people over the last three or four years, can say, right, this has been great stuff, you know, pat yourself on the back. That's not how a club should be run. You have to always keep looking for ways to improve and to raise the bar.

“And again, we're talking about recruitment, and everybody thinks recruitment has to be a lot of money, but just think about this. Maeda, £1.5 million. Matt O’Riley, £1.5 million. Johnston at right back, £2 million.

“Recruitment and development, there's been a lot of thought put into that. And not only do you get good players, but you can sell them on like Matt O’Riley for £30 million, which keeps it all going”

Strachan, who oversaw some memorable Champions League nights at Celtic Park, conceded that the new-look League Phase format has helped his old club and praised the performances of Rodgers’ men in the competition so far this term.

“I think the new format has helped them,” Strachan added. “There's no doubt about it. Celtic have produced some great performances though. Like I said, they won at home. At Atlanta, away from home, getting a draw was terrific. So the new format has definitely helped them, but they've also helped themselves.

“It's just dragged on a wee bit. There's a lack of excitement there. And they've got a good chance of making it into the play-offs. I think Celtic will qualify for the play-offs. They've had a good week in the league playing different types of football, in different conditions, as we've seen. They’ve done well in Europe this season.”