Furious Brendan Rodgers admits trailing St Johnstone 1-0 at the break today is the "angriest" he's ever been at half-time in his career.

The champions came from behind to win 3-1 in Perth as they got back to winning ways domestically after last week's stalemate against Motherwell.

Callum McGregor, Matt O'Riley and James Forrest stepped up to the mark in the second half, as their strikes canceled out Diallang Jaiyesimi's opener.

Rodgers gave his players a stern talking-to in the dressing room at the interval, and it seemed to work the trick as they stormed back to claim all three points.

"It was a really good reaction in the second half," the 50-year-old said. "It's probably the angriest I've ever been at half time in my career as a manager. 

"The first half, the intent, we were too comfortable and nowhere near it. The second half was what I would expect. There was a much better energy and tempo to the game. 

"Callum McGregor was absolutely brilliant in the second half and his goal, which looked like it was coming, sparked the reaction. 

"It's ambition. Some players just want to be too comfortable and just do enough, it's not enough at this club. You have to have that mentality and intensity from that first whistle. But the reaction was really good.

"We just can't drop at this club. The standards are very high and have been set over many years. 

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"I said to the players at half time that we'd gone a game and a half without scoring, with the greatest respect, against St Johnstone. Our levels need to be much better, and they were in the second half but that's a little reminder for the players that the second you drop off there are good teams and managers who can hurt you. 

"Thankfully our intensity was better in the second half. We deserved to score three and maybe more."

Speaking to Sky Sports post-match, Rodgers was asked if he felt there was any suggestions of a foul in the build-up to St Johnstone's goal. 

Rodgers said: "There was no foul. Have to have been stronger in that moment, we were soft. It's a great ball in by Carey, it's a corner we'd looked at working, but we got nowhere near that aggression. 

"It was a great ball in, they surround the keeper and then we don't defend it."

Mikey Johnston was given the man of the match award by Hoops captain McGregor. The Republic of Ireland international made the desired impact, as along with the goalscorers, he took control of the game.

Rodgers was full of praise. He commented: "He was outstanding. He's one that if he can improve his tactical idea in the game in terms of his pressing and understanding where to be then you can see the talent he has when he's on the ball.

"In duels, he's very good. I thought he was bright and positive. He made a good contribution for us."