Brendan Rodgers cites Rangers evidence that proves beating Celtic is what matters above all on the blue side of town

Even on the long, twisting drive to Celtic’s picturesque HQ it was becoming obvious that nature had something brewing. Something sinister and powerful.

The winding country road from Blanefield to Lennoxtown was getting dangerously close to be impassable in parts, under deep pockets of surging flood water. Thick, angry looking grey clouds were creeping over the top of the Campsies and making their way down the other side.

A storm was coming. And by tomorrow afternoon Brendan Rodgers fully intends to be standing in the eye of it, leading Celtic into an Old Firm derby for the 21st time. With just one defeat from the first 20 over two stints in charge, it’s fair to say he knows how to handle himself when he’s out there, feeling the full force of it. His expertise in negotiating this fixture means he knows when to let the wind fill the sails of his Celtic players. And, just importantly, when the time is right to batten down the hatches.

Almost always, Rodgers gets them out the other side safely in one piece and with his own managerial credentials enhanced. Philipe Clement, on the other hand? Well, with no wins from six, that’s a whole different story. Rodgers admitted yesterday that he feels some empathy for his rival who is struggling to keep his head above water on the other side of Glasgow’s divide.

But that won’t stop him from striving to stick another notch on the post when he arrives at Ibrox to first foot his rival. It is where you are judged at this level, working at Celtic or Rangers - I think you are judged in these games,” Rodgers said when asked if his own derby day record has helped to secure his status in this city.

“I saw Giovanni van Bronckhorst get to a European final and then lose his job not long after