RODGERS CONFIDENT HE CAN REST STARS AND KEEP UP HIGH STANDARDS

BRENDAN RODGERS is convinced Celtic’s relentless standards won’t drop even if he gives some of his stars a late-season holiday.

With the all-too-short summer break and Champions League qualifiers in mind a few years ago, Neil Lennon rewarded his early-spring title winners with extra time off in April and May.

Rodgers has not addressed that issue yet. However, in the event it becomes an option once the runaway Ladbrokes Premiership leaders have crossed the finishing line, he does not anticipate a drop-off.

For the Celtic boss has already been utilising the full depth of his squad, promoting fringe talent during the mid-winter without any dip in results.

‘Of course the Champions League qualifiers so early is a big consideration,’ said Rodgers. ‘I’m sure Neil thought it was the best thing to do and I can see the sense in that.

‘It’s something we might have to consider. But we just have to keep playing well. We have to push to the maximum.

‘We are here to win and to win in the best possible way but that’s just about picking the best team.

‘I think I’ve done that throughout the season. There were players who were deemed not to be starters who have done really well.

‘So, even if I did give one or two a rest, I feel confident about any players coming in. It won’t take the edge off us because we are preparing not just for the final part of this season, but to keep momentum going into next season.’