Former Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers makes history in Saudi Arabia

The Irishman departed Parkhead under controversial circumstances last year before making the move to Saudi Arabia in December, where he has enjoyed an impressive start to life in the Middle East.

Having secured a top-four finish during his first campaign, Rodgers has continued that momentum into his first full season, with his side now sitting at the summit of the Saudi Pro League.

Tuesday night’s dramatic 1-0 victory over Al-Taawoun saw Al-Qadsiah move above Al-Hilal and Ange Postecoglou’s Al-Nassr, although both clubs have a game in hand.

Despite dominating proceedings, Rodgers’ side were forced to wait until the 97th minute for a breakthrough, with £52million midfielder Tijjani Reijnders eventually securing all three points.

The former Celtic boss now faces another significant challenge on Friday when Al-Qadsiah take on Al-Hilal in a crucial top-of-the-table encounter.

Victory would not only strengthen their position in the title race but also see Rodgers become the most successful Saudi Pro League manager in Al-Qadsiah’s history.

Meanwhile, Rodgers is set to return to Glasgow next spring for a Celtic supporters’ event, where he is expected to address his controversial departure from Parkhead.

His resignation sparked a furious response from Celtic’s principal shareholder Dermot Desmond, who described the former Hoops manager as ‘self-serving’ and ‘misleading’ in an extraordinary club statement.