Brendan Rodgers issues weighty Celtic address on demand that seems 'unfair', Champions League revamp and Hart farewell

Brendan Rodgers admits it might seem 'unfair' to ask the Celtic players to go again for one last push after a gruelling season.

But he insists his troops know that is part and parcel of the job at Parkhead - as they go chasing the Scottish Cup cherry on the cake. Celtic were crowned Premiership champions for the third season running at the weekend and will get the chance to make it a Double against Rangers at Hampden this weekend. They've had to dig deep to get themselves into this position, with Rodgers finding himself under pressure for some indifferent form early in the campaign.

But his players have dug in and a run of eight wins in nine to finish the league campaign got them over the line. It was put to Rodgers on the club's TV channel that it almost seems 'unfair' to ask the players to go again. But he said: "They know that's a part of the job here.

"That job (winning the league) is complete, we finished the season as deserved champions. I'm so proud of how the players have dealt with the pressure that they've been under the last nine games or so. Eight wins and one draw, and the draw, we should have won. But it really shows you the focus and humility of the team.

"We're in a final, and finals are there to win. It might seem unfair to ask them to go again after that, but they get a little bit of a rest after the final. Then the international boys will meet up. Our focus is very much on our plan and preparation this week, getting ready for the special occasion.

"We're relaxed but focused. It was nice at the weekend to celebrate, but now our focus is on the final. We're prepared to deliver a similar performance to what we did against Kilmarnock. Really good preparation, we're playing on a fantastic surface, last