Brendan Rodgers unbothered by Rangers being the hunted as he reveals what actually matters in a title race

Brendan Rodgers insists he’s not bothered by being the chaser as the Premiership title race enters the final straight – because all that matters is who crosses the line first.

In his previous spell as Parkhead boss, the Hoops were always clear at the top with nine games remaining. Now they trail Rangers by two points but with two Old Firm derbies still to come, Rodgers insists he can’t wait to tackle it. The Celtic boss, who will have Cameron Carter-Vickers back to face St Johnstone today and key men like skipper Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate and Luis Palma returning in the coming weeks, said: “It does not really make a difference to me. It’s all about how you finish the race.

“This is the point that matters. I will be interested if we win the league and the Scottish Cup what the thoughts are around that. But my only thought is for the team going into a real exciting bit, having these players back, and dealing with the pressure that comes with these last period of games. Being the hunter or the hunted doesn’t really matter to me.

“It’s about performing and getting to the end point where you want to finish. We are still in a really good position with a strong squad for the run in. I am really looking forward to that because it’s been good, a challenge in so many different ways, but that’s why we are here – to take on those challenges and come together and finish as strong as we possibly can.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing the team perform against St Johnstone and play with the intensity we want to get the three points."