WEARY BHOYS ARE ASKED TO MAKE ONE FINAL PUSH

BRENDAN RODGERS has called for one last push from his Celtic players as they prepare to round off a hectic 2018 with away trips to Aberdeen and Rangers.

Celtic played their 36th game of the season against Dundee yesterday and manager Rodgers admits his players are badly in need of the winter shutdown that will incorporate time off and a warm-weather training camp for his squad in Dubai.

The trip will allow Rodgers to reflect on a trophy-laden year in which his team claimed all three of Scottish football’s domestic trophies but first they face a Boxing Day test at Pittodrie, followed by an Old Firm derby at Ibrox next Saturday.

He said: ‘We’ve got two big games to finish off another memorable year. We reflect on it as a special year for us, but our work is not complete.

‘We have a really exciting second part of the season to come, knowing that we’ll get stronger. There will be fewer games so we’ll have more coaching time, more preparation time and when we have that you see the increased level of intensity.

‘It’s hard to maintain the level when you’re playing so many games, but it’s a huge credit to the players that they’ve done everything they can to keep the focus. That’s what we aim to do in 2019.’

Rodgers’ team required a first-half stoppage-time goal from Ryan Christie to beat Aberdeen in the Betfred Cup final as Derek McInnes’ side built some momentum after a slow start to the campaign.

Since the final, the Dons have crept up the table to sit just three points off top spot — although Celtic have a game in hand.

‘I don’t think Aberdeen were hiding,’ grinned Rodgers. ‘Derek is a good manager who gets the best out his players. That’s come through now and they’re in a more realistic position.’

Next Saturday will bring a new test for Rodgers’ players as they play in front of a vastly-reduced away support at Ibrox for the first time.

‘It is not ideal,’ said Rodgers of Rangers’ controversial decision. ‘You want both teams to have as many fans as they can — but it is something we will cope with.’