'He’s world class': Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers a big admirer of Bayern star Harry Kane

Brendan Rodgers expressed his long-term admiration of “world class” Harry Kane ahead of the Bayern Munich striker’s visit to Celtic Park.

The England captain will lead the line for the German giants in the first leg of the Champions League knockout play-off at Parkhead on Wednesday night.

“Oh, he’s absolutely brilliant,” said the Celtic boss.

“Obviously, I’ve known Harry for a long time and come across him many times.

“Harry’s actually one of those ones that until you’re stood on the side of the pitch and you face him, you actually only then really, really see his level.

“I know as a young player he came through the system at Tottenham.

“It wasn’t easy for him at the beginning. He had lots of loans getting out to clubs and didn’t quite work out.

“And then he was given the opportunity by Tim Sherwood at Tottenham. Tim had belief in him and had worked with him as a young player.

“Once he got into the team his development just improved from that. And you look at him now, he’s a world-class player.

“But he’s changed his game a wee bit as well in the last number of years, where he’s on the move more, dropping short, you see his passing, you see his abilities. But he’s also tough. He’s a tough boy as well, Harry.

“I can’t speak highly enough of him. He was absolutely brilliant at Tottenham, showed the same for England and he’s gone out to Bayern and you just need to look at his goals record. A fantastic player and a good guy. We know that.”