Celtic double on Rodgers' mind

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers applauds the fans. Pic: Jane Barlow, PA Wire.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is determined to finish the most challenging season of his career with a double.

Rodgers is on the brink of clinching the first silverware of his second spell at Parkhead after his side beat Rangers 2-1 to move six points and seven goals clear of their rivals in the cinch Premiership with two games remaining.

Matt O'Riley's strike set off a manic 10-minute period late in the first half which saw John Lundstram score an own goal and receive a red card and Cyriel Dessers head one back.

The second half was not as straightforward as the Celtic fans would have expected with O'Riley missing a penalty and Rangers putting on some late pressure without carving out a real chance.

But the full-time whistle sparked scenes of celebrations among the 60,000 crowd, although the players toned down their reaction given they are still not over the line.

A third consecutive title looks secure though after a season in which the lead has switched from Celtic to Rangers and back again.

Rodgers returned last summer to a mixed response from Celtic fans despite winning seven trophies out of seven in his first spell, and with the likes of Jota and Aaron Mooy departing.

Injuries to players including Liel Abada, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Reo Hatate added to the challenge.

"Having had success here before, I know what the third season brings," he said.

"You know, we created history with a double treble. Then that third season the mentality became a real challenge.

"I was coming into that third season with the team having won five trophies out of six. A lot of the players, I hadn't worked with before, so they didn't know me and I didn't know them.

"Then we lost really, really important players who make the football shine in this place, and the likes of Carl Starfelt, who is a brilliant defender.

"So that, added to the injuries we've had, made it a real challenge from a management perspective, because they are used to winning.

"But I've never ever doubted, since I've been a young coach, the process. And I just felt, just keeping chipping away, the guys will come back at some point. We just had to keep believing and working hard.

"Slowly, we found a rhythm and now we sit here with eight wins out of the last nine and the one we didn't win was a really good performance against Rangers at Ibrox.

"There is no doubt that it's been probably the most challenging season I've had as a manager but we need to finish it well now and that's the plan."

Celtic can do that at Rugby Park on Wednesday - if Rangers do not drop points at home to Dundee on Tuesday.

With the title a formality, Celtic can make it a season to remember by beating Rangers in the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup final on May 25.

"We're super determined," Rodgers added.