Cameron Carter Vickers names Celtic 'strength' during crucial run in as unseen dressing room secret revealed

Cameron Carter-Vickers insists the calm of Brendan Rodgers can guide improving Celtic through another unique derby showdown.

The USA international says the champions take the fruits of a hard-working season into the showpiece at Hampden. Carter-Vickers and his team-mates seared to the title with a blistering run of recent form. Although the defender admits the Premiership is the key trophy, he’s hungry to secure a double with another Old Firm triumph after three wins from four clashes against Rangers so far this term.

Carter-Vickers, who has won seven of 11 against Rangers since signing, said: “We’re fully aware that all of these games are always unique. And when you look at it in total, the record’s good. But the majority of the games have been pretty tight and tough games. So we know we’ve got to be fully focused and ready for the game. It’s good to get the league over the line. For me, the league is the most important, it’s kind of a summary of 10, 11 months of work and to get there and lift the trophy at the end is always special.

“We’ve definitely improved as the season’s gone on. I think the way we’ve worked all season has been fairly consistent. And I think the last couple of months, you’re seeing the fruits of that in terms of our performance. I think that’s natural.

“Anytime you work with a new manager, it takes a little bit of time to get used to his methods and get the team up to speed. He’s a great guy. I think one of his main strengths is how he’s managed to keep the group calm throughout the season and always positive and looking ahead. And I think that’s really, really helped us this season.”

Rodgers is delighted to have Carter-Vickers in the backline and said: “The difference he makes to this team, he