Brendan Rodgers rejects brewing Celtic narrative but produces mounting evidence of Premiership fear factor

It’s been a slow burner..

But after the hype of Brendan Rodgers’ return of as Celtic boss some fans now believe the height of ambition is only to be that bit better than Rangers. Supporters are facing the prospect of a somewhat barren landscape of domestic campaign after the Hoops’ midweek exit from the Champions League and confirmation of no European football after Christmas.

It is a far cry from the Irishman’s season bucket list back in the summer when he was paraded as Ange Postecoglou’s replacement. Social media criticism, fans’ forums full of discontent and a dissatisfaction over a sense of on-field regression in recent months wasn’t factored into the brave new dawn when the Hoops hailed their new boss and his plan to lift the club to a higher level.

But Rodgers delivered a bullish response to the prophets of doom and insists he’s focused on the bigger picture. He said: “There’s a sense of a narrative around the club at the moment that isn’t healthy, with the supporters and that side of it. But I only see a really positive future for us. I was disappointed after the result in Rome, of course, so you mourn that for 24 hours then you have to move on.

“Looking at my first six months here, I know the team can improve a great deal and also, having been here before, the rhythm of Celtic. Normally, there’s a couple of years when players are intense and maybe they’re looking for a move. But there’s still a lot of development in this group. There are players who will become better but we can also improve the squad.

“If we can do that and remain consistent, then we can have bright years to look forward to.” There’s an age-old issue also at play with Celtic’s perennial failures in the Champions League.

That’s the relative