Brendan Rodgers welcomes Rangers chase as new Celtic boss insists he wants Michael Beale to test him

Brendan Rodgers says he’s ready for any challenge Rangers or Michael Beale throws at him.

The new Celtic boss knows their Old Firm rivals are desperate to wrestle the Scottish Premiership title away from Parkhead. But Rodgers, who worked with Ibrox gaffer Beale at Chelsea and Liverpool previously, is relishing that battle. On his return to the Hoops, he insists he WANTS to be tested from across the city because it will only bring out the best in him and Celtic.

As he geared up to defend the club’s domestic Treble, Rodgers was asked if he’d thrive in a situation where Rangers were coming after them. He said: “What do you think? That’s why I'm here. It was the same when I came to Celtic the first time around. It was clear Rangers were on the up. They had beaten Celtic on penalties in the Scottish Cup semi-final. But my focus was on making Celtic the best we could possibly be - and to succeed.

“It’s exactly the same now. It’s competition, and you need that because it allows you to be the best you can be. That will be great for me.

“Everyone knows the challenge of being at Celtic or Rangers - you need to win games. You’ve got to win trophies and you’ve got to win them in a certain style.”

Rodgers first came across Beale at Stamford Bridge when he was reserve team boss and the Londoner worked in Chelsea’s academy. They later crossed paths at Anfield when Rodgers was Liverpool’s gaffer.

And more recently they’ve been in opposing dug-outs - when Beale was Steven Gerrard’s assistant at Rangers and Aston Villa. Celtic’s new boss respects the journey Beale has been on to end up in the Ibrox hot-seat and admires him for taking on the challenge of toppling the champions.

Rodgers said: “Michael is starting out in his managerial