WHAT LIES BENEATH... Brendan Rodgers keeps focus on his table-toppers Celtic as the hype centres on Aberdeen v Rangers battle
- Aberdeen and Rangers will go head to head on Wednesday night at Pittodrie
- Defeat would leave the Ibrox club trailing the Dons by nine points in the table
- Celtic would remain top of the table if they see off visitors Dundee
- Rodgers labels Dons v Rangers as a 'big game' but is focused on his own team
- Click here to visit the Scotland home page for the latest news and sport
There was, perhaps, just a glint of mischief in Brendan Rodgers’ eyes when it was put to him that the spotlight will be very much elsewhere in the Premiership on Wednesday night.
‘Obviously it’s a big game between second and third place’, said the Celtic manager who is fully aware that resurgent Aberdeen’s clash with a raggedly inconsistent Rangers will unquestionably dominate the narrative of a full midweek fixture list.
Regardless of the outcome at Pittodrie, Celtic will remain at the top of the table if they do what is expected of them at home to Dundee.
Whether that continues to be on goal difference from Aberdeen in the event Jimmy Thelin’s men beat Rangers, or another result allows the reigning champions to open up a points gap for the first time this season, is not yet hugely relevant according to Rodgers.
Predictably and understandably, he was quick to insist that Celtic will concentrate solely on their own efforts as they look to maintain their unbeaten start to their latest title defence.
Brendan Rodgers remains focused on the visit of Dundee on Wednesday night
Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Nicolas Kuhn enjoy training
While Aberdeen’s credibility as challengers would be further enhanced with a victory, however, the possibility of Rangers falling nine points off the pace in third is one that would certainly be warmly embraced by Celtic supporters.
‘Irrespective (of the result at Pittodrie), it really is too early,’ replied Rodgers when asked what scenario would suit him best.
‘We are only 10 games in. I know the build-up to the title starts from even further out each year now but there are so many challenges to go through in the season.
‘So the result there can be whatever. For us, it’s about focusing on getting three points against Dundee, playing our football and entertaining our supporters. Because, ultimately, that’s what we can control.
‘You can only look after yourself and I’m so pleased with how our team has been playing, functioning and working. If we look at or think of anything else, then that could take away from our performance.
‘So, yes, I’m sure it will be a really good game at Pittodrie. It always is, Aberdeen-Rangers or Rangers-Aberdeen. But we have a massive game at home to Dundee and that’s our only focus.’
Rodgers is waiting to discover if he will be able to call upon Adam Idah after the striker suffered a painful ankle injury in Sunday’s 3-0 win over Motherwell at Fir Park.
The Republic of Ireland international underwent a scan today to determine the extent of the damage from a foul by Liam Gordon which saw the Motherwell defender sent off after a VAR intervention.
The decision was questioned by Motherwell boss Stuart Kettlewell but Rodgers believes his counterpart may have altered his opinion after viewing footage of the incident.
‘It’s a poor challenge,’ said Rodgers. ‘It was a nasty knock Adam took. I can’t worry about how long he might be out until we get the scan results back.
‘Thankfully, the ground was a bit wet and his foot was able to move. If it was a dry pitch and his foot stuck, then it could have been a really, really bad one.
‘I said at the time I didn’t think the Motherwell player intended to harm Adam. I still feel that but it was a poor challenge. He was on the stretch, off the floor and it’s a bad challenge.
‘I respect Stuart has to defend his player. It’s sometimes difficult for managers immediately after a game when doing your press duties.
‘Watching it again, I think anyone would say it was a red card. I think when Stuart sees it again, he will see that as well.’
Captain Callum McGregor may miss out again with the abductor issue which forced him to miss the win at Motherwell but Rodgers expects him to be available for Saturday’s League Cup semi-final against Aberdeen at Hampden.
Winger James Forrest enjoyed a rare starting appearance at Fir Park and the veteran winger is now more appreciative than ever of any time he gets on the pitch.
James Forrest is concentrating on the here and now despite his contract running out soon
The 33-year-old is out of contract at the end of this season and admits he is unsure whether his trophy-laden career at Celtic Park will come to an end next summer.
‘I’ve been asked about that a few times but right now I am just concentrating on being involved with the team,’ said Forrest. ‘I am enjoying it as much as I ever have and I’m just focusing on the here and now.
‘Maybe I’ll start thinking about it afterwards towards the end of the season. I’ve not done my coaching badges yet but I’ve spoken to players who have and there’s maybe time to look at it in the next year or so. But I don’t want to take my mind off playing just yet.’
Forrest enjoyed a golden spell of form at the end of last season, scoring five goals in 10 games as he played a key role in helping them to a league and Scottish Cup double.
‘During that period when I wasn’t involved in the team before that, I was maybe wondering if I’d ever play for Celtic again,’ he added.
‘Now it’s a case of not taking anything for granted. You look at the end of last season, being involved, winning the league and the Scottish Cup.
‘Even just going away in pre-season again this year. I’m not saying it’s a second chance, but you maybe felt like you might be done.
‘I think that’s why I am really enjoying it. Is it a case of soaking it up? Absolutely, 100 percent.
‘That spell out, I’ve probably never had that in my career before. I was thinking if I get back in, just make sure I really enjoy it and take it in.’
