BIG BHOYS TO TOUGH IT OUT

BRENDAN RODGERS insists there is no doubt Celtic will handle their huge festive tests against Aberdeen and Rangers.

The Hoops boss is backing his troops to keep their cool in the pressure-cooker situation at Pittodrie today.

Celtic must deliver in the North East to ensure they stay at least one point ahead of Rangers before heading to Ibrox on Saturday.

Rodgers said: “We have always played well at Pittodrie in different types of games. When we’ve had to battle, we’ve battled.

“We have gone there and played incredible football to win. They are games to relish.”

Rodgers is also confident his players will stay calm on an occasion which has added spice following the ill-tempered Betfred Cup Final.

Aberdeen’s players were unhappy with Hoops stars such as Scott Brown and Mikael Lustig (below) at Hampden earlier this month, claiming they had gloated in victory.

Rodgers (above) said: “Aberdeen are a good side and they have been our nearest challengers and have been second throughout my time here.

“After you lose finals – and that was their third to us – there is so much emotion attached. It’s emotion of the game.

“You have to be aggressive but I think it has been the measure of our performances in the last three seasons that we’ve played well because of our temperament as well as our quality. We look to be as honest as we can to play good football and win.”