Brendan Rodgers believes that Dorus de Vries brought out the best in Craig Gordon last term when he briefly displaced the Scotland internationalist from between the sticks.

De Vries has taken the gloves as Gordon recovers from a knee injury, with the expectation being that the No.1 will be out for up to three months.

“He came in and, along with Craig’s appetite to want to work and improve himself, I think both of them have really pushed each other on,” said Rodgers.

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“He has been a loyal support for Craig and showed incredible professionalism in how he has looked after his body and his mind to make sure he was always ready to play. Obviously Craig is out of the team and there was a point last season where a Premier League club wanted to take [De Vries] but I was able to talk him through and convince him to stay. He loves being here at Celtic and now he gets the chance to play.”

And the Celtic manager maintained that the Celtic fans have yet to see the best of De Vries.

“He is certainly a better player than on what people are judging him on really,” said Rodgers. “He is a goalkeeper who has worked in the Premier League and worked at a level that tells you he is a really competent goalkeeper. Of course, Craig coming out of the time was a decision of mine, not a decision of Dorus’ but ultimately it was a decision that really helped Craig.

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“Dorus knew how I wanted my goalkeepers to work and Craig could see that on a day to day basis.

“But he comes off in the Kilmarnock game and Craig didn’t look back.

“Both have been outstanding in their different ways and have experience, while we have some good young ones below that with good talent.

“There’s a great run of games for him to play now.”