Charlie Mulgrew on what he is sure Brendan Rodgers will have told Celtic players in title battle

Celtic have put themselves in an encouraging position as we await the start of the post-split Scottish Premiership fixtures.

Of course, there is still a long way to go; however, a surge of positive form coupled with Rangers dropping points in back-to-back league matches has opened up a three-point gap at the top of the table.

Crucially, Celtic also have a positive goal differential of five over their rivals heading into their remaining top-flight encounters, which can almost be an extra point in the right circumstances, as seen under Ange Postecoglou.

This season has had its fair share of ups and downs for both sides of the Glasgow divide, with either side fumbling points in the Scottish Premiership on nine separate occasions.

Nevertheless, Celtic have drawn six and lost three; meanwhile, Rangers have the reverse, drawing three and losing six, proving that even on some of our off days where we have failed to see three points over the line, there are still outcomes that can be beneficial in the long run.

Either way, no Hoops supporter will be keen to see results in either column from now until all is said and done, and neither will Brendan Rodgers, who has his eyes firmly fixed on success.

Charlie Mulgrew on Brendan Rodgers’ preparation with Celtic

With the finish line in sight for both sides in the title race, former Celtic man Charlie Mulgrew believes that Rodgers will fully prepare his men for the tasks ahead regardless of goings on elsewhere.

Citing his old side’s ‘strong position’ heading into the run-in, the ex-Scotland international also believes that there is an advantage to build on for the reigning Scottish Premiership champions, though he doesn’t think that will produce internal naivety at the club.

He stated [PLZ Soccer]: “It’s been a funny season, with some ups and downs. It’s been good for the fans, but Celtic have got to feel that they’re in a strong position at the moment.

“(Celtic were) Unlucky not to get the win at Ibrox, disappointed with that, even if both teams before it might’ve taken a draw, and then Rangers obviously dropping points at Ross County gives them an advantage.

“There’s still loads to play for; they’re not naïve, and I’m sure the manager will have them prepared for the rest of the season, ready to go. (there’s) a big Game against Rangers coming up, big Games coming up everywhere.

“You seen the first half against St Mirren, it doesn’t matter who you play, teams can make it tough for you. They’ve got to be prepared for every Game and it’s going to be a battle right to the end.”

Celtic need to show their ruthless streak during run-in

Rodgers’s message to his players has to be centred around showing ruthlessness in the final five league matches, as we can’t afford to become complacent just because of one or two advantageous outcomes elsewhere.

I’m sure most fans would agree with that statement as Celtic continue their quest to secure a domestic double, which continues against Aberdeen tomorrow at lunchtime in the Scottish Cup semi-final.

Silverware at Parkhead is king, and it is time for the collective at Lennoxtown to step up and prove they deserve to claim first prize.

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