´He´s got a bit of everything´ – Rodgers hails Tounekti after first Celtic goal in cup win

Brendan Rodgers described Sebastian Tounekti as an all-round threat after his first Celtic goal helped the Bhoys beat Partick Thistle 4-0 in the Scottish League Cup quarter-finals.

Tounekti joined the Glasgow giants from Swedish side Hammarby on transfer deadline day as Adam Idah was sold to Swansea City, and he enjoyed a lively debut in last week’s Scottish Premiership win over Kilmarnock.

On Sunday, Tounekti opened his account for his new club following a clever give-and-go with Kelechi Iheanacho, after Yang Hyun-Jun and Liam Scales struck to put them 2-0 up.

Luke McGowan then completed the scoring in the second half as Rodgers’ men advanced to the last four, with an Old Firm derby against Rangers awaiting them in November.

“He’s so good,” Rodgers told Premier Sports of Tounekti. “He’s got a bit of everything – he can beat a man, go either way, slip runners in as well and it’s nice for him to get his goal.”

Tounekti’s debut strike for #CelticFC! #PARCEL | #PremierSportsCup pic.twitter.com/BqvpKydOMy

— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) September 21, 2025

Rodgers was pleased to see his side clinch back-to-back victories when not at their best, saying: “You have to be really professional, and we were. The players passed it well and created some really good moments in the game.

“We’re building. It’s hard to go through nine months in the season being hot. With everything going on in the window, it’s taken some time for players to come in.

“I can see the fluency and the rhythm of the team growing each day.”