Rangers and Celtic hoping fire of Old Firm collision steadies early jitters

Brendan Rodgers looks for goal-shy Celtic to break their fast at Ibrox against a defence that conceded five in midweek

STRESS TEST: Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers during a training session at the Lennoxtown Training Ground, Lennoxtown. Pic: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire.

Even in as fevered a football environment as Glasgow, the shifting of bragging rights in the days leading up to an Old Firm clash felt novel. Rangers supporters were purring with expectation after St Johnstone held Celtic to a scoreless draw last Saturday.

The return of Brendan Rodgers had already been punctured by a feeble League Cup exit at Kilmarnock. The blue half of the city were licking their lips at the prospect of Rodgers bringing his team to Ibrox.