Rod Stewart deepens Celtic feud with Graeme Souness as Rangers hero ‘b*******’ challenged by mega-money title bet

The Hoop’s diehard has challenged the Ibrox icon to a bumper charity wager amid the heated title race.

Confident Sir Rod Stewart has challenged Graeme Souness to put his money the place his mouth is as the Celtic diehard threw down a £10k title bet to the Rangers hero.

The crooner took difficulty with the the pundit after he questioned the ‘b*******’ of the Celtic squad as they face up to the challenge of Philippe Clement’s facet in their hunt for their 12th Scottish Premiership crown out of the past 13 seasons. And despite calling out Souness on air closing week, the ‘Maggie May’ singer has now doubled down on his criticism of the Ibrox icon – challenging him to a bumper five-figure charity bet.

Speaking to Jim White on talkSPORT, he conceded his disappointment that Brendan Rodgers’ guys were now not capable to take benefit of Rangers slip up against Motherwell by using seeing off Hearts – which would have viewed the Hoops move lower back to the summit. But Stewart remained confident that some other title is heading to Glasgow’s east end.

Sir Rod stated: “Unfortunately Graeme stated some thing very nasty about Celtic in the papers over the weekend. He said Celtic have not acquired the ‘b*******’ for the title fight.

“I have stated to Graeme that he knows as properly as I do if that penalty (against Hearts) and Celtic stored eleven guys on the field, we would likely have won. If you appear at the stats when we had 10 guys we still had more possession and masses of photographs on goal.

“So I am going to begin via pronouncing you are carrying blinkers Graeme, Celtic are going to win the league. It began up at £1000, but now it is a £10k guess that will go to charity. Graeme’s charity being DEBRA and my charity being the St Andrew’s hospice – but I am going to wind him up and say we have acquired to go up to £20k now. I am going to check his resolve.”

White pressed on the neglected probability for the Hoops to reclaim pinnacle spot, the rocker conceded: ‘It was. It is anybody’s title. I do fancy Celtic and needless to say I am a massive Celtic fan, but it is going to be tight. It’s about time it was once tight because it has been one way traffic for years.”

Stewart also reckons he has pinpointed where the title will be decided – on derby day. He went on: “After closing weekend you in no way can tell, but I would think about both groups are now not going to lose once more this year. It is going to be determined by the next two Old Firms – but that is past my realm.”

Neil Lennon is seeking for an Aberdeen position as the former manager of Celtic and Hibs explains why Ireland was passed up

Lennon eyes Pittodrie hotseat after being neglected for global role

The bookmakers might have made him a heavy favourite to invulnerable the Republic of Ireland job but Neil Lennon is undeterred via the Irish Football Association’s decision to neglect him.

Now 52, he has declared his best years as manager are in advance of him – and they might also need to be if his next quit is stricken Aberdeen, one of his preferred destinations. It’s already known that the Pittodrie club will be searching for a new supervisor this summer – and maybe before then. Neil Warnock’s transient tenure has no longer been a success so far. Whether he even stays as long as the cease of this season might hinge on the end result of this weekend’s Scottish Cup remaining eight tie at home to Kilmarnock.

In his function as a soccer pundit, and one of the satisfactory out there, Lennon will have an eye on this end result in any case, however he has some unique non-public interest in the outcome. He can not be any clearer – he would like the Pittodrie job. “Timing is important,” he said. “The Aberdeen job is something I would be very interested in, no question.”

Those who argue that this is a non-starter given the electricity of his ties to Celtic pick out to overlook Lennon’s spell at Hibs, who he instructed to promotion and then to fourth in the Premiership – they have been in competition for 2d in the remaining weeks – in 2017/18. Supporters of the Easter Road membership would like some of that just now, as would Aberdeen fans. “I assume there is brilliant doable at Aberdeen,” stated Lennon.

When knowledgeable about a vox pop news clip filmed outside Pittodrie after Barry Robson’s year-long spell in cost was terminated in February, with nearly each fan interviewed in favour of Lennon’s recruitment, he sounded encouraged, as properly as barely surprised. “Really? That’s fine to know,” he said. “I didn’t suppose I was as famous up there…”

He would actually revel in acclaim have been he to stimulate the improvement in fortunes that has eluded each supervisor brought in due to the fact that Derek McInnes’ departure three years ago. Aberdeen have opted for a former participant and friend of the chairman in Stephen Glass, an up-and-coming manager in Jim Goodwin, an appointment from inside (and former player) in Robson and now Warnock, whose inveiglement out of retirement at the age of 75 is nevertheless inflicting many heads in and around the Pittodrie membership to shake in disbelief.

Lennon obviously appears a extra prudent choice. Asked whether or not a reputation for hot-headedness goes before him, with the activities surrounding his departure from Hibs nonetheless no longer absolutely understood, he agreed there would possibly be some thing in that.

“I do think there is a understanding of me that is wrong,” stated Lennon. “I have executed a lot – titles, trebles, Champions League – and I even went overseas and won a trophy and obtained that crew (Omonia in Cyprus) into the Europa League. I have gained the Scottish Cup 4 instances as a participant and manager. I have got actual experience.

“I bought the Celtic job when I was very young,” he added. “That was, like, 15 years ago. People suppose I am getting on a bit however I nonetheless have masses of energy. I am looking forward to getting again in however the managerial enterprise is so competitive and there are so many candidates out there. With some clubs, you may go well with the definition of what they prefer and different humans might no longer become aware of you as the kind of teach they want. I can manage and I can coach. I can do both.”

What, then, was once the deal-breaker in terms of the Republic of Ireland job, with Lennon seemingly heading the queue of candidates to exchange Stephen Kenny? He used to be odds-on favored at one point. A statement from the FAI these days validated that 42-year-old John O’Shea will lead the crew on an period in-between groundwork for the coming near near friendlies against Belgium and Switzerland. A everlasting appointment will be announced subsequent month, with the profitable candidate apparently certain through cutting-edge contractual complications. Whoever it is, it isn’t Lennon, who sounds barely at a loss for words by way of the rationalization he was given after he was once removed from the frame.

“The remarks was advantageous however they stated they wanted any person with international (managerial) experience, so take from that what you will,” he said. His bemusement is effortless to understand – did they no longer recognize this earlier than they began the system of interviewing him?

“I was close,” he added. “I used to be upset to omit out on that. They have made a choice and that will be introduced next month. I am simply searching to get back in. I have had a bit of time out. I acquired supplied a couple of jobs in the summer. The timing wasn’t proper and they didn’t attraction to me. I will have to see the season out, speakme crap on the punditry!”

“I am very grateful for the work however it is now not what I prefer to do,” he continued. “I sense like I’ve received lots left in me as a coach. I have performed a lot in my career as a coach. I have accomplished a lot but there is nonetheless extra to do and extra that I desire to do.”

As he points out, 52 is still no age at all for a soccer manager, even if the present day vogue may be for freshly qualified coaches. Aberdeen, for one, may want to do with a well-experienced, possibly just not septuagenarian, manager, with deep expertise of the Scottish game earned over 25 years’ involvement. Lennon isn’t tough to track down. “I feel, at 52, my fine years are in front of me as a soccer supervisor and a coach,” he said.

Neil Lennon was promoting Viaplay’s live and distinct insurance of the Scottish Cup clash between Hibernian and Rangers on Sunday. Viaplay is accessible to movement from viaplay.com or by means of your TV company on Sky, Virgin TV and Amazon Prime as an add-on subscription.

‘Wait a minute’: Ally McCoist can not believe what Alan Brazil says about Celtic’s Tynecastle referee

As the Celtic VAR contoversy continues this week, Brendan Rodgers is coming to terms with losing his enchantment on Hyunjun Yang’s purple card and dealing with the prospect of losing his in-form winger for three fundamental fixtures.

The South Korean saw red for a risky venture and Celtic have been additionally penalised with a doubtful penalty decision whilst down to ten men that efficiently ended Rodgers’ hopes of taking something from Tynecastle.

Who is aware of what Celtic will do now but it is truthful to say that on modern-day form, VAR appears to be doing extra damage than good.

And even as the fans and pundits have their say on the selections in the game, talkSPORT presenter, Alan Brazil, went that little bit further.

Discussing the sport on Sunday, Brazil made a quip about Tynecastle referee, Don Robertson, that left co-presenter, Ally McCoist shocked.

This is how the dialog went on this morning’s edition of talkSPORT:

McCoist: “Look at last weekend with Rangers losing at domestic to Motherwell and then Celtic getting beat at Tynecastle.

”I genuinely think there is going to be twists and turns.”

Brazil: “Man of the healthy the ref, eh?”

McCoist: “Aww wait a minute Alan! Come on!”

Clearly, Brazil was having a joking dig at the referee however on some level, this remark will resonate with many Celtic fans.

VAR was once introduced to limit the quantity of mistakes made in the Scottish sport and it looks that due to the fact it was introduced, it’s just causing more problems.

And it’s no longer just Celtic who have in issue with it. Over the past few months, Rangers, Aberdeen, Motherwell and others in the SPFL have voiced their concerns and the SFA will want to hear up.

Because the product they are turning in is hurting the recreation and it’s member golf equipment and fans are no longer happy.

Watch: Kris Boyd and Clinton Morrison argue over a remark at Celtic supremacy

When it comes to Celtic dominance in Scotland over the final decade or so, there are few people that have loved it much less than Kris Boyd.

The former Rangers man has no longer been afraid to make his loyalties regarded when it comes to the two Glasgow clubs, something that has led to masses of exciting tv in the course of his appearances on Sky Sports down through the years.

There used to be every other example of that this afternoon.

Kris Boyd did not revel in Celtic dig from Clinton Morrison

On Sky Sports this morning, there was once a dialogue surrounding the ongoing title race between Celtic and Rangers in the Scottish Premiership.

Clinton Morrison did his first-class to upward shove Kris Boyd by means of bringing up the Hoops’ dominance in the division in current seasons. It’s honest to say it did not go down all that well.

Clinton Morrison: “Boydy, usually the league’s over and Celtic have won it by now”
Kris Boyd: “Calm down mate”

😅😂 pic.twitter.com/8O1TsEZ7d4

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 2, 2024

Morrison: Boydy, you recognize commonly the league is over and Celtic have gained it by using now?

Boyd: Calm down mate.

Morrison: No, come on.

Boyd: You needless to say don’t follow it.

Morrison: The one aspect I would say about these goals, for sure you have Kyogo and Adam Idah has come in made a difference. Has that been the difference on why Celtic have no longer accomplished as accurate this year, has it been Kyogo’s form?..

Boyd: Idah came in and has been fantastic. He bought a first-rate header ultimate week, right striker with movement at the the front post, gets to the back of the net towards Motherwell. Brendan Rodgers will be glad with that one, there a few different transfers that haven’t (worked).

Clinton Morrison and Kris Boyd always have a proper back and forth on the channel, together with in one incident in December when the former Ireland striker was rapid to remind his counterpart of his allegiances to the Boys in Green.

He would possibly no longer have played for Celtic himself, however Morrison honestly enjoys worrying his colleague about their exploits in recent seasons.

Video: Celtic supporters are about to give up as ‘outrageous’ winger Mikey Johnston does the greatest West Brom accomplishment to date

Johnston used to be the celebrity of the show stay on Sky Sports with his superb opening goal

Mikey Johnston scores for West Brom

Mikey Johnston kicked his West Brom revival up a tools with his nice second yet when you consider that becoming a member of the Baggies.

The spotlight used to be on the West Midlands on Friday night time as the Sky Sports cameras were in region and it took Johnston just a few minutes to make sure he was once the centre of attention with a amazing opening goal. The on-loan Celtic winger fired in his third aim on just his 0.33 start in the early levels of their Championship clash with Coventry, brilliantly curling one in from the left hand facet of the container with simply five minutes on the clock.

West Brom labelled him ‘Magic Mike’ in their tweet celebrating the purpose – a moniker that would possibly simply stick if his superb shape maintains up. At the time of scoring, he averaged a goal for each 101 minutes of soccer he had played considering that his move south.

Mikey Johnston that is MAGIC 🪄✨ pic.twitter.com/jUOpM2RwXi

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 1, 2024

One punter wrote on X at some stage in the game: “Mikey Johnston moved to West Brom and grew to be a Ballon d’Or candidate, while some other noted: “He is outrageous when he is on song.” And a cheeky Baggies fans is hoping to land him for free as he added: “Any Celtic fans thinking how Mikey Johnston is doing at West Brom?? Absolute crap you need to terminate his contract…”

Andy Hinchliffe was on co-commentary for the recreation and he was left raving with Johnston’s show when he went off at some stage in the 2d half. He said: “This is how you endear your self to a new set of fans. It’s not the first time he is performed it, but none of them had been as large as this. Brilliant from Mikey Johnston.”

He has a year to run on his deal at Celtic and his recent resurgent has sparked whispers there would possibly be a area for him yet. But one punter was once focused on how lots they can bank by SELLING him as they as an alternative cynically said: “Absolute scenes when we get £15m for him and he goes back to being his s**** self.”

‘That’s what excites me’… Adam Idah discusses the major factors for his strong Celtic form

Celtic striker Adam Idah has come to be a outstanding feature of Brendan Rodgers’ attack when you consider that shifting to Parkhead on mortgage closing month.

The Republic of Ireland global arrived to little fanfare on closing date day; however, it is tough to assume where the Bhoys would be except his contribution.

Following an assist on his debut away to Aberdeen, Idah scored two stress penalties towards Hibernian at Easter Road, incomes a last-gasp victory for the Bhoys amid their ongoing hostilities to win the Scottish Premiership.

Last weekend, the 23-year-old came off the bench to replace Kyogo Furuhashi at Motherwell, with his facet wanting to overturn a one-goal deficit at the interval.

Making a addiction of turning into the hero, Idah replied by using scoring a brace at Fir Park, together with a 94th-minute strike to make certain his aspect didn’t fall in addition at the back of Rangers in the title race.

🗣️ “A 𝐡𝐮𝐠𝐞 goal for Celtic, a 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 goal for Celtic!”

Here’s how Adam Idah got Celtic’s second goal in the win over Motherwell! Reaction & analysis on @SkyFootball 📺 pic.twitter.com/purbgOlEKq

— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) February 25, 2024

Come the next day night, it would be a huge surprise if Idah weren’t selected to play from the start towards Dundee amid his tremendous form.

Reports in Ireland claim that he could be reachable for a fee in extra of £3 million upon the expiration of his mortgage settlement this summer, which may also be a charge too precise to ignore up if he continues to deliver.

Adam Idah exhibits principal reasons in the back of his Celtic form

Idah embodies a persona with a cool persona and doesn’t seem too fazed by using the prospect of leading the line for Celtic.

Despite the pressure associated with wearing the green and white shirt, the Cork-born man had admitted that he prospers off the delivered expectation bestowed upon his shoulders.

He defined [Cited via The Celtic Way]: “Look, there’s constantly going to be strain going into any game. There’s continually strain at Celtic due to the fact it’s such a big club, and the demands on each person are huge.”

He later added: “I think I thrive off pressure. That’s what excites me. For a lot of players, that’s what you play soccer for. That strain gives you that bit of motivation. I understand for me, that’s when I play my best.”

Admittedly, Idah is nevertheless early into his Celtic career; nevertheless, he has passed every check thrown at him so a long way with flying colours.

Regardless if there are conversations in the works surrounding his long-term future, all he can do is keep taking his risk to shine on the pitch.

Rodgers described his contribution last Sunday as ‘outstanding’ and there is each and every risk he could’ve performed his way into an extended run in the former Liverpool manager’s starting line-up over the coming weeks.

Rodgers heads straight for Lennon Miller as Celtic manager gives the Motherwell player invisible props.

Miller impressed for Motherwell notwithstanding their eventual defeat and Rodgers made a point of seeking him out after full-time.

Lennon Miller showed Celtic he would possibly just be the actual deal on Saturday and Brendan Rodgers noticed enough as he lavished praise on the gifted teen after his side’s win.

The Motherwell starlet left Callum McGregor for dead on the side of the Celtic box before having the recognition to tee up Blair Spittal, who swept the Steelmen into a deserved first 1/2 lead at Fir Park. Adam Idah’s introduction was the catalyst for a second half turnaround, however Miller made his mark on the recreation as he enjoys an ever developing popularity as a future star.

And Rodgers made a point of congratulating the 17-year-old afterwards. Following their respective post-match media responsibilities and while Well boss Stuart Kettlewell was doing his very own post-match presser, Rodgers made positive he congratulated Miller on his display, and Hoops fans will hope it truly is part of a longer term transfer design for the Scotland Under 19 international.

Former Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew urged Celtic to snap him up and get him into their midfield straight away. He advised Sky Sports: “You see the impact he has on the recreation today. He’s like a man the way he plays. He is so clever. We see him asking for the keeper to take the aim kick up and flick it on like his dad used to do. What a player. Level-headed boy. Comes from a desirable household as well.

“If I was once Celtic or Rangers I would signal him now and have him in the team. What a participant he is.”

And Chris Sutton posted his understanding on social media after the game: “Sensational second half from Adam Idah. Two brilliant, first-rate finishes Yang exceptional broad on the proper and gave some lots wished danger and quality. Celtic can’t proceed to play for simply forty five minutes each game… Motherwell’s Lennon Miller appears a player.”

‘Missing the context’: Simon Jordan dismantles Jim White’s story about Celtics and Brendan Rodgers

Celtic defeated Motherwell 3-1 at the weekend, rallying from a goal down to impenetrable a morale-boosting three points at Fir Park.

Brendan Rodgers has now closed the gap to two factors at the Scottish Premiership summit and suddenly ended an interview with the BBC after refusing to make bigger on what he supposed at the back of mentioning there is already a ‘story being written’ about the fate of his side this season.

talkSPORT presenter Jim White and his co-host Simon Jordan traded some interesting verbals surrounding the problem on today’s imparting of the radio show.

White started off involving Rodgers’ refusal to explain what he meant, stating: “Who’s obtained an agenda?”

Jordan replied: “He believes that the media are writing a narrative that Celtic are carried out and finished, and he doesn’t prefer to give them an probability to flip round and say to him, I think this is your agenda.

“What you’re trying to do is you’re now not attempting to pay attention on my win; you’re concentrating on Rangers. If you favor to discuss about Rangers, go speak to Rangers.”

White then queried why Rodgers commented on a ‘story being written’ about Celtic, stating: “So why did he say that?”

Jordan: “Maybe he idea better of it due to the fact what’s that historic expression? The pen is mightier than the sword; that’s the purpose why, due to the fact once you open the container on something, there’s no willpower on something about giving it context or nuance.

“The journalist will write what they assume is the fantastic headline to get the attraction, and there’ll be no nuance, no context, no balance because it’s no longer suited.”

White: “Not suited with the aid of who?”

Jordan: “The journalist.”

White: “No, Simon, you’re lacking the point. You don’t get it. This journalist, in this instance, is now not asking the query in the knowledge of the reply she’s going to get; she’s legitimately asking a follow-up question.

Jordan: “You’re lacking the context; his reaction is; why are you guys pedalling a narrative about what Rangers are doing and that Celtic are done?”

Celtic have no room for distractions in their pursuit of a double

Whether human beings think Celtic are jointly subjected to certain remedy via segments of the media or not, it doesn’t matter, truthfully.

Realistically, supporters will solely care about the taking part in body of workers having a fireplace in their belly to go and claim some other Scottish Premiership title, some thing they hope can be joined in the trophy cupboard by way of the Scottish Cup when all is stated and done.

Evaluating yesterday’s victory towards Motherwell, Adam Idah, Tomoki Iwata and Hyunjun Yang, in particular, established their ability to supply in crunch moments.

Cameron Carter-Vickers’ return from damage additionally had a substantial bearing on our increased second-half performance, which many hope can be the catalyst for an exciting quit to the campaign.

Dundee watch for at Parkhead in midweek earlier than a crucial test in opposition to Heart of Midlothian at Tynecastle on Sunday.

One suspects the effect of these two fixtures will go a long way towards determining if this Celtic facet has the steel required to make their aspirations into a reality.

Kenny Dalglish emphasizes that he is not a Celtic “disruptor” as the icon receives a prompt response to surfacing concerns

The legendary Parkhead striker is viewed as one of the club’s all-time greats thanks to a report of 173 dreams in 338 appearances.

Celtic icon Kenny Dalglish received an immediate response from his former club after they made amends to a number of of the troubles causing the King strife in their turnaround 3-1 win over Motherwell.

The legendary Parkhead striker is viewed as one of the club’s all-time greats thanks to a report of 173 dreams in 338 appearances in green and white. But the 72-year-old has been unable to hide his rising difficulty over Celtic’s stuttering performances with rivals Rangers leapfrogging Brendan Rodgers’ aspect to sit atop the Scottish Premiership.

And it regarded the side who have laid claim 11 of the past 12 titles were about to sink into a four-point hole but a rousing second-half display at Fir Park. Adam Idah’s gorgeous brace off the bench blanketed a last-gasp strike and the win seems integral with only eleven video games remaining. Rodgers and his Celtic players soaked up the acclaim from relieved supporters at the ultimate whistle.

Dalglish – who has located recent shows flat – proved the a savant with his to-do listing for Celtic earlier than kick-off. Writing in his Sunday Post column, he said: “They want to be extra direct in the wider areas and greater ruthless in their shielding duties all over the pitch. Things can turn very quickly and my thoughts are no longer supposed to be disruptive. I’m simply being realistic and it would not give me any pleasure.

“They have plenty to play for and want to improve. Brendan is aware of it’s no longer been true enough but there is still time to turn it around. Let’s see what they can do.”

Watch: Spectacular, Adam Idah Heads in the equalizer goal for Celtic against Motherwell

Adam Idah has levelled the scoring at 1-1 towards Motherwell with a powerful header.

The Irishman convincingly headed the ball previous Liam Kelly in the Motherwell purpose from a Greg Taylor cross.

Idah replaced Kyogo Furuhashi at half-time with the Japanese striker unable to make any affect on the game.

🗣️”I can’t tell you how good this header is. The direction, the power, absolutely stunning – Celtic back in it!”

Substitute Adam Idah heads Celtic level at Fir Park! Watch live @SkyFootball 📺 pic.twitter.com/pvFkv9NcAM

— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) February 25, 2024

Despite questions over Idah’s closing date day mortgage move, he has confirmed himself to be extra than a capable striker who can lead the line when needed.

The goal highlights but another component of Idah’s game: his aerial threat, which until now supporters hadn’t considered simply how fantastic he is in the air.

Idah has quieted any critics due to his hardworking nature and capacity to step up no matter Celtic playing poorly in latest weeks.

If he continues to be fantastic in the front of goal, Celtic will in all likelihood appear to make his loan pass permanent in the summer.

With no option to buy, how a great deal the Hoops would have to pay stays unclear.

Idah’s attitude absolutely stands out every time he plays.

His self belief in the front of intention is certainly imposing to opposition defenders, with his tempo and energy forming a hard combination to deal with.

Peter Lawwell Will break open the Celtic transfer checkbook as Brendan Rodgers admits to spending

Lawwell insists the Hoops hierarchy aren;t hoarding cash and they share punters’ switch window frustrations.

Peter Lawwell is adamant Hoops chiefs are not hoarding cash – and they share fan frustration at failing to splash out in January.

The Parkhead club introduced bumper mid-season monetary consequences with revenues up to £85m and £67m in the club’s coffers. Lawwell revealed Celts had spent £23m since remaining summer amid essential investment in the new Barrowfield training complicated and the first team’s Lennoxtown HQ. But the chairman admitted the winter transfer window wasn’t up to scratch with simply £3m recruit Nicolas Kuhn and mortgage signing Adam Idah touchdown and big targets slipping via the net.

Lawwell insisted Celtic WILL crack open the kitty and he said: “The board recognises the inherent inefficiencies of holding excess cash, and, in conjunction with different money commitments, the significance of investing in strengthening the crew to supply soccer success. The board shares the frustrations of the supporters regarding the less than anticipated exercise in the current transfer window.

“Since the opening of the transfer window in June, we have committed £23.9m in participant investment. Within this we renewed and prolonged the contracts of Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liel Abada, Matt O’Riley, Anthony Ralston and Reo Hatate.

“The board’s dedication is to support and improve the enjoying squad in every transfer window and although assets had been available, we had been unable to similarly add to the squad due to the unavailability of recognized targets.

“This was disappointing to us all, and never the intention. The January switch window is notoriously difficult as clubs are very reluctant to let their best gamers go at such a imperative time of the season just as we are. Indeed, we resisted robust activity in our gamers from different clubs.”

Celtic made a trading profit of £32m thanks to Champions League dosh for the second season on the spin. The money glide historically dips in the 2nd half of of the season but Lawwell insisted the long-term approach of improving in Europe is key – alongside with war it out in the the rest of the domestic season.

He said: “We took comfort from a range of appropriate performances (in the Champions League) which will serve our squad well, but our objective is to hold enhancing and competing in Europe.

“Looking in the direction of the 12 months ahead, prevailing the Premiership and the Scottish Cup is our on the spot center of attention and priority. There remains a lengthy way to go and all to play for. We will all unite at the back of the team.”

Brendan Rodgers made repeated calls for first-class before and at some point of the switch window. But the boss admits it’s up to him to spend any cash wisely.

He said: “They (financial results) show that the membership is certainly well run from a business point of view and strategically brilliant. Money in the bank, secure, everything.

“My job is to convince us from a footballing strategic standpoint to improve. Ownership and how the membership function from a enterprise perspective though, I don’t assume anyone can argue with that.

Brendan Rodgers

“What we have to likely look at and ask the question is how we can improve. That’s the key question, how can we be better?

“How can we enhance the soccer and the soccer side, and that’s what I’m right here to do. I’m no longer an accountant, I’m no longer the chief executive, I’m now not a lawyer.

“Michael (Nicholson), Chris (McKay), Dermot (Desmond) and these guys run the club and the business facet unbelievably well and have completed for many years. I came returned here to see if I ought to influence the soccer approach and appear to make the football the very first-class that we can.

“That’s always key. Having a philosophy, having a market, understanding the players that you desire that can healthy into that philosophy, then you’re halfway there. Then, it’s just about discovering them.”

Rodgers insisted his predominant force was once getting Celts lower back on structure at Motherwell on Sunday after stumbling towards Killie remaining week and surrendering top spot to Rangers. The Hoops gaffer – who has Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alistair Johnston again from damage – said: “We are now not top of the league because of ourselves and the factors we have dropped. But we have to analyze from that and be targeted very a whole lot on our own overall performance and that ‘s what the subsequent 12 video games will be.

“We’ve had eight wins and two attracts which probable feels like eight losses and two draws. There’s still been a lot of proper in the video games it’s simply when the end result disappoints and the performance disappoints, then it doesn’t give you a properly feeling.”