Brendan Rodgers targets Celtic homegrown surge as Rangers afterglow comes with immediate Champions League reality

'Two weeks of bliss' Gordon Strachan called it when he described winning an Old Firm right before an international break and Brendan Rodgers knows exactly what he was talking about.

Victory against the fierce foes comes with relief and respite – and the longer it lasts the better. Rodgers admitted it’s been a pretty sweet fortnight on the back of his injury-battered side’s win at Ibrox but he know it’s now back to business. And he’s convinced his team is now ready to kick on as they head into a hectic – and crucial – part of the season in Scotland and in the Champions League.

Former gaffer Strachan, speaking to Gamble Zone, said yesterday: “There’s nothing better than recording a victory against your rivals before the international break. As a manager, you’re getting two weeks of relief – that’s what you get and then you’re ready to go again.”

Sounds about right for Rodgers. Especially as last time around he barely had time to draw breath, never mind celebrate. He soaked it up this time and he also believes the win might just be lift off for his new look side.

Rodgers said: “I certainly remember my first one up here where we won 5-1 (in August 2016). A couple of days later we were in the Nou Camp, so we didn’t have too long to enjoy that one! Listen these games are obviously huge. Every game is big but historically Celtic – Rangers and Rangers – Celtic are massive games.

“So to go in and get the victory in the manner we did – with the injuries and stuff – made it a nice way to go into the break. There are certain games that are about learning and can be big moments for the squad. A lot of these players haven’t worked with me before so don’t know me so well.

“Sometimes it takes that bit longer. I remember last time the