Cameron Carter Vickers faces Celtic fitness race for Premiership kick off as Brendan Rodgers offers key injury update

Brendan Rodgers feels right back at home as he aims to prove himself all over again as Celtic boss.

The manager was given a rousing reception from supporters as he returned for the first home game of his second spell in James Forrest ’s Testimonial. Rodgers was able to enjoy a win as a strong performance from his second-half side secured a 3-2 success over Athletic Bilbao. The boss savoured the welcome and, despite seven trophies out of seven the first time around, insists he needs to show his worth once more.

Asked how it felt to be back and the welcome, Rodgers said: “Clearly it always means a lot. Amazing, it feels like home. I’ve been fortunate enough in my career to manage some fantastic, big clubs. There’s nothing given me the feeling of being back here with people I regard as family and just being in the arena here. I want to relish every second of it. Going away made me realise what I had, I was never sure if I would have that again.

“So, to be able to have it again I want to enjoy it on the pitch with the players, the staff and obviously the supporters. But for that I need to prove myself and win again.

“My priority is to make a team here to continue with the standards that have been set over the last decade or so. It’s important that we are all together in order to achieve that.

“The Celtic supporters are amazing. They support their team and I think what makes this team is that they get behind their manager and we all go together from the weekend to push on. It is very important for us to be together.”

Rodgers believes his team are ready for Saturday’s Premiership opener against Ross County. Reo Hatate scored in the first-half, but Celtic still trailed until the post-interval side improved things markedly