Brendan Rodgers praised Dorus de Vries' ability to "orchestrate the game from behind" as the Dutchman replaced Craig Gordon in the Celtic lineup.

The Hoops boss handed a debut to the 35-year-old in Saturday's 4-1 win over Aberdeen, coming in for Gordon in light of fresh scrutiny of the Scotland international.

De Vries conceded just once in the win over the Dons and the Celtic manager hailed the Dutch goalkeeper for his performance.

Rodgers said: "I always say my teams need to play with control from behind in order for us to play how I want us to play and have that speed and domination in the game.

"And I thought Dorus came in and did very well.

"He had one loose pass but apart from that, he is able to orchestrate the game from behind.

"But overall I thought he and the team were outstanding.

"I just always think if you can control the game and build the game from behind well, then you will control and build in other areas.

"The quicker it goes forward from behind the quicker it comes back at you, and that has always been my thought.

"I want to reiterate, Craig Gordon has been fantastic since he came here.

"In fairness to him, there has been a lot of unfair focus on him.

"Dorus knows how I work inside out and I am sure Craig Gordon will get an opportunity again.

"Whether that comes the next game, or after, he will be better for this way of working."