Brendan Rodgers has seen Rangers change before but warns Celtic what will happen if they stand still

Brendan Rodgers is staying laser-focused on progress and insists Celtic can’t stand still or they’ll be overtaken.

The Hoops boss is excited ahead of seven games in 21 days, starting on Sunday against Hearts. Celtic’s closest pursuers in the title race Rangers have appointed Philippe Clement in their bid to overhaul the champions. But the next Old Firm clash not scheduled until December 30, Rodgers is fully focused on pushing on his own group rather than worrying about what might or might not happen on the other side of the city.

He said: “I never worry about anything outside. My focus is layered towards our club, our performances and our results. That’s all I focus on. Of course I’m aware [of Clement] and I don’t know the new manager. But I’ve had it before with a number of Rangers managers, it’s still the same. We don’t play [Rangers] until later.”

Celtic are improving week on week and Rodgers continued: “There was a wee bit of drama earlier on, I’m led to believe! But experience says you have to win games and everything settles.

“Coming back in to work with the players was always going to take a little bit of time in terms of how I want a few aspects of their game to improve – and we have players out that make the football look different.

“But they are starting to come back now and players are starting to understand their roles. They are a lot clearer on what they are being asked to do so the football looks clearer. You are always looking to evolve. Leadership is easy when you’re winning. You’re judged as a leader when it’s not going so well. Having the patience and composure to change it and experience helps.”

Tynecastle will pose a tough test and Rodgers, right, said: “After this break, you look at the fixtures and