BREN URGES CELTS TO BE HISTORY BHOYS

Boss desperate to clinch title in Old Firm for first time in 40 years

CELTIC manager Brendan Rodgers has urged his side to go out and make their own history on Sunday afternoon.

The Parkhead side can win their seventh successive title with a win against Rangers. It has been almost 40 years since Celtic last clinch the league with a win over the Ibrox side but Rodgers has told his players to focus on the game and let the occasion take care of itself.

“It’s like winning the Treble,” he said. “It’s one of these things people have talked about not happening for a long time.

“We can only affect modern history. We respect the great history and values of the club but our job is to create our own.

“If we can tick another box and make history, then great.

“We have four games to win the title and if we can do it in this one it would be a special day.

“I am sure it is going to be a great occasion. The

noise, the atmosphere will be electric on the day like all of the games are. There will be that special added factor that we can win the league. But we have to stay calm, stay focussed on the game and that has been my approach in every one of these games.

“They are always full of emotion, full of passion but within all of that you have to perform and hopefully we will hope to do that as we have done in the previous ten games. I think, of course, you want to win the league as soon as you can. Last year we won it away at Hearts.

“If you can do it in front of your own supporters and against one of your big rivals then great. But the job is to get it done.”

Rodgers seems to hold a psychological edge over Rangers given the fact that he is undefeated in all 10 games he has played against the Ibrox side. Rangers seem inhibited against Celtic who were hugely dominant at Hampden in the William Hill Scottish Cup semifinal a fortnight ago.

“We come in every day to work hard and train hard, we can’t worry too much about what the opponent is going to try to do,” said Rodgers.

“If we bring our game then we know we have a great chance of winning. Of course, the longer you go, it can get more difficult.

“Our priority is to forget about what came before and look forward to this one, which we all are.

“There’s certainly no complacency. No matter the 10 games previously, you need to go and prove yourself in the next one.

“It’s a great opportunity. In the big games it’s about staying calm – don’t feel too trapped by all of the stuff around it.

“We’ve played 10 times now and there’s been different elements and tactics to the games.

“You can only cope with what’s in front of you and prepare your players for different scenarios.”