SCOTT Brown played with tendonitis last year and I think everyone could see that he came back from injury before he was ready. It badly affected his performances but all of a sudden we are starting to see the Brown of old again.

I thought he was excellent against Hapoel Be’er Sheva and what we are seeing is a level of fitness that means he is not just influence because of his presence but influential because of his presence and his play.

Forrest now looks like the player we all thought he was a few years back. He was another one who struggled with various injuries but he has been entirely transformed in recent weeks.

Read more: Celtic captain Scott Brown retires from international football due to injury concernsGlasgow Times: Celtic's Scott Brown celebrates scoring his side's fifth goal of the game during the UEFA Champions League qualifying play-off, first leg match at Celtic Park, Glasgow.  Photo: Jeff Holmes/PA Wire.

At one point against Hapoel on Wednesday night he was fighting for the ball and playing a really high pressing game – another indication of just how fit the team are just now.

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This season they are scoring goals late in games – this time last season the problem was that they were conceding them. Been able to go and get that killer goal at the death of a game comes down to have superior fitness to your opponent and I think you can see that in Celtic this season.

But certainly, there seems to be total belief at the club in Brendan Rodgers. The fans believe and that is huge. It is a phenomenal factor in the assurance and confidence that is at the club just now and I felt on Tuesday night that there was less tension around the game.

When the Israelis pegged two goals back there was obviously some anxiety but I felt that the crowd were quick to get behind the team again. They have bought into what Rodgers is trying to do and the players are clearly responding to the way he wants them to play.