A director who I must protect texted me after Celtic vs Rangers and he has phrase fit for the 'irrational' – Hugh Keevins

Brendan Rodgers, at the age of 51, has decided he’s reached a stage in life when he has no need to bite his lip and possesses every right to speak his mind.

I have absolutely no doubt, at the age of 75, there is little time left on my part for quiet contemplation of current events. Such as the incredible amount of time that has been wasted on the personal attacks aimed at the Celtic manager in recent days.

There is one thing that should be made abundantly clear at the outset. If the day should ever come when the choice is between Rodgers and dissident fans, Celtic Football Club, if their priority is the future prosperity of the team on the park, will fireproof the manager to the exclusion of all others.

When it comes to the battle between militancy and meritocracy, Rodgers is the hands-down winner of the contest. Brendan, being a free man of independent will, quietly articulated the case for patience on the part of the fans during difficult games.

He was, in response, variously accused of egomania, deflection and “working his ticket”. His accusers being, in the main, hardcore supporters who would reserve the right to verbally slaughter, slander and savage, from the vantage point allotted them by the club, their chosen targets.

But there was also a man of a certain vintage who called to tell a radio audience on Wednesday night that, in the wake of losing six goals to Rangers over the course of two league and cup matches in December and January, it was time for Rodgers to “look closely at his own performance”.

So, that would be 10 trophies won over two stays as Celtic manager. An Invincible season.

Overtaking Rangers in the league table of trophies won over the entire history of both clubs. Two defeats in 21 Old Firm