Celtic 'time is up' Brendan Rodgers slapdown leaves Kenny Miller smirking as Rangers echoes from Beale demise noted

Grinning Kenny Miller has cooled any chat that Brendan Rodgers will be shown the door at Celtic after a heated on-air takedown of the boss.

The Parkhead boss has come under scrutiny following back-to-back Scottish Premiership defeats to Kilmarnock and Hearts - which have allowed a resurgent Rangers to close the gap to just two points at the top with Philippe Clement's side having played a game less. And it was panic stations for caller John on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard as he attempted to pinpoint the issues that have plagued the club during their last two league outings.

With Celtic looking to get back on track against struggling Livingston at Parkhead on Sunday, irked John declared that the dressing room had already turned against Rodgers. He said: "There is something far wrong at Celtic. I can't remember them dropping as many points in such a short space of time. I don't think they are playing for him and I think when you are publicly slating the players I think you are nearing the end and there is no way back for you.

"I just don't think they are playing for him and he's got to take a lot of blame. See in this day and age when you start criticising your players that never goes well and I think Brendan's time is nearly up."

Rangers favourite Miller initially smirked at the call as fellow pundit Hugh Keevins delivered his response. However, the would back Rodgers for having a swipe at his underperforming stars - before issuing a loaded comparison to Michael Beale's ill-fated tenure at Ibrox.

Miller said:: "I’m a wee bit more for that older school type mentality where if you’re not doing your job, you need to be told. Otherwise, you will do it badly if you think you’re getting away with something. I would be very surprised