What Brendan Rodgers told his Celtic players after hitting Chelsea with a 4-1 win

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is a very happy individual right now having excellently prepared his team for the challenges ahead this season.

While the transfer work has been considered to be lacklustre by some fans, on the pitch Celtic have shone in every leg of their USA tour.

Having dispatched DC United and Manchester City, the Bhoys turned their attention to Chelsea on Saturday, racking up a 4-1 win thanks to goals from Matt O'Riley, Kyogo Furuhashi, Luis Palma and Mikey Johnston.

It was another impressive showing. Nobody is reading too much into the results themselves but the attitude and application of the team have been a joy to watch. They're full of confidence and attacking intent.

Rodgers gave his verdict on the latest display in a post-match interview and shared what his message was to the squad in the dressing room.

Brendan Rodgers on Celtic's win over Chelsea

The Bhoys boss said [Celtic FC]: "I just said to the players afterwards that all the work that they've done, how they've represented the club in their time here has been absolutely brilliant. I take great pride in that. But also on the pitch, how we've played, how we've really devoted our mindset into the work, the intensity of the games. I also know that big teams - they don't want to lose games whether it's pre-season or not.

"I think in the performance we had what you want from a top team. We had structure, we had talent in the team and then you had work. That mentality to work and run with talent and structure gives you a great chance.

"I look at Kyogo's goal - we made about 23 or 24 passes in that. Having that confidence and personality to wait for the moment. Across the board I'm really, really happy with the performance. And with the younger guys coming into the game there was no difference, they pressed the game and harassed the opponent and then showed their quality when they had the ball."

Kilmarnock now visit Celtic Park

It's a return home for the Bhoys now as they make the long trip back to Lennoxtown for more training preparation this week.

Alistair Johnston will return to the squad after his extended holiday and there's always the hope of an outfield signing or two boosting the manager's options.

Kilmarnock visit Celtic Park on Flag Day next Sunday afternoon and the fixture is already sold out. Fans are anticipating Celtic starting the campaign in electric fashion.

The challenge for Rodgers and his staff is translating what they've seen in the USA to the pitch against teams who sit low and defend so deeply. That's a different prospect but one which we know the Bhoys will attack with intensity and purpose.