Rodgers has cut throat warning for Celtic players

Brendan Rodgers has reminded his players of his demands as Celtic prepare for their opening game of 2017 agaisnt Albion Rovers.

The squad spent the winter break in Dubai as they prepared to maintain their 24-game unbeaten domestic run and chase their first domestic treble since 2001.

Speaking to the Herald Scotland about his mentality at Celtic, Rodgers said:

I don’t know, sometimes at big clubs – especially a club like Celtic – your talent can hide you in among other good players.

You can be hidden and you can be protected a little bit which means you don’t have to work quite so hard because your ability takes you there. No chance. If you’re not working here you will be out, regardless of your talent.

I think I said it before a few months back: some players will struggle to keep up. Their talent is there but they can’t keep up with the demand. So your talent won’t be protected.

You can be a good player but it’s not enough. If you want to be elite and you want to be the best then you have to align the work mentality with the talent. That means you push, every single game you play, and the next game is always the critical one.

Celtic’s last game on Hogmanay saw them come from behind at Ibrox to win 2-1 courtesy of goals from summer signings Moussa Dembele and Scott Sinclair.

Rodgers side have opened up a 19 point lead at the top of the table and also have a game in hand over second place.

With the League Cup already secured, many will be hoping Rodgers becomes the first manager since Martin O’Neill to lift all three domestic trophies.

The Hoops’ next game will be on Sunday at 3pm in the Scottish Cup against League One side Albion Rovers.