The winger has now scored 12 goals in his last 11 matches for club and country.

"I think he is just getting into areas quicker in terms of effecting the game," Rodgers said.

"He is obviously known as a winger and you saw James a lot as a young player taking the ball outside and crossing it, and creating a lot of goals.

"We have always tried to get him on the inside and running in between and getting into the box more because that's your job: to create and score goals. The goals he has scored for us, he is getting better and better at that for Celtic.

"We have said that to him, you will be judged on your numbers of what you create and score as well as your work ethic for the team.

"He is just getting better and better. He has gained confidence from scoring goals from getting in the areas to score, and he's producing it at the very highest level.

"He has really natural attributes for international level where he's quick, got great technique. He is a wonderful technician. You saw his goals over the course of the two games, his touch and finish, he makes it look simple but none of them were simple.

"He is thoroughly deserving of it. He's a great boy, he trains every single day, he works ever so hard, he's ultra professional and he remains humble as well.

"I'm just glad he's getting the recognition for the quality he has. It was a real nice moment at the game when he scored his goals and the whole crowd were singing his name. That was a nice moment for his family I'm sure."

Meanwhile, Rodgers has reiterated that captain Scott Brown will be given time to consider his future beyond the end of the season.

Australian football agent Lou Sticca recently confirmed he wants the 33-year-old to join his Western Melbourne outfit if they succeed in joining the A-League, while Sporting Kansas City and Minnesota United have also been credited with interest.

"If anyone has deserved time to make a decision, it's Scott," Rodgers said. "He loves it here and there will be an agreement between him and the club in relation to that.

"But he has absolutely every right, if he has options in this last period of his career, then he probably needs time to look at that.

"But that shouldn't be taken by any Celtic supporters that he doesn't want to be here, because he loves it here. He's been absolutely top class for me for two-and-a-half seasons and we want him to stay of course.

"But as a guy at this stage pf his career, like all players, they will always have to look at it for them and their family as well."

Brown is back in training following injury along with Olivier Ntcham and Leigh Griffiths, who Rodgers stated was looking "fit and strong".

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