Brendan Rodgers reacts to Rangers sacking Michael Beale as Celtic boss labels him 'outstanding'

Brendan Rodgers says Celtic must hit top gear instantly when Lazio rock up at Parkhead on Wednesday night - as he reacted to news of Michael Beale's sacking at Rangers.

The Londoner was binned by the Premiership champions' rivals on Sunday night after a 3-1 defeat to Aberdeen at Ibrox left them seven points behind the Hoops. Rodgers was asked about the news ahead of a return to Europe's top table and reflected on the brutal business of management, while wishing his former counterpart the best.

He said: “I’m always saddened when any manager loses their job, no matter what club they work at. When you manage Celtic or Rangers, they’re big pressure jobs. I’m sure Michael will go away and reflect on his time here and no doubt he'll come back in again. He's an outstanding young coach and manager. He'll reflect on the pressure he was understand, the expectation and the stress this job can bring.

"He will learn from it and get another job and make a success out of it, I am pretty sure. Whatever club, whoever it is, it's not nice when someone loses their position and I hope for him the best for the future."

Rodgers has been impressed with his side's mental strength, which was on full display against Motherwell when they responded to the Steelmen's 95th minute leveller with a Matt O'Riley effort even deeper into stoppage time to win 2-1. But it's an entirely different challenge in the Champions League, and they need points on the board after an opening day 2-0 defeat away at Feyenoord.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Rodgers insists that being a couple percent off their game won't cut it, and they must push pedal to the metal against Maurizio Sarri's men who sit 16th in Serie A after a nightmare start to their