Manager admits it’s not his worry if rivals can’t keep up BRENDAN RODGERS has insisted it is not his problem — nor his concern — if the rest of Scottish football is left trailing in the slipstream of an uncatchable Celtic feasting on Champions League rich

we need other teams to do well?”. I tend to worry about Celtic and set our own standards.

‘I want to represent Celtic the best I can. I want Scotland to feel pride that they have a team competing and trying their best with football that is productive for Scotland.

‘The reality is if we get £30m or £40m from Champions League, I won’t be getting £30m to spend on players or a player. What it does is allow us as a club to keep making steps forward.

‘And if we qualify, it means we’ve earned the right to be there. I can’t be looking in my slipstream wondering where everyone is. If I’m in a race, I’m never looking back, only looking forward. We can only do the very best we can. ‘If we can do that and consolidate Champions League for the second consecutive year, then that’s great for our project and what we’re trying to do. It’s a relentless drive to be the best that you can be. ‘It doesn’t matter what other teams are doing.’ Celtic’s strength was showcased in the play-off round as Rodgers was able to scheme the superb first-leg result over Astana with makeshift centre-half Nir Bitton helping his side to a fifth successive European clean sheet.

The Israeli remains ‘an option’ for a defensive role but will be dislodged as soon as Dedryck Boyata is in contention to return from a knee injury.

‘If Boyata is fit, he’s playing, simple as that,’ stated Rodgers.

‘But it’s great having flexibility and that multi-functional player in your squad.

‘For certain games, you can play that type. For us, it’s important we build the game.

‘It will be early to mid-September for Dedryck to be back in the group and working.

‘Erik (Sviatchenko) should be around (and fit again) the same time. We have three games to go but they could be fit for the first European game.’