Never too far ahead – Brendan Rodgers says hard work is key to Celtic success

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers claims he never feels they are “too far ahead” of the rest as he stressed the hard work and consistency that goes into their success.

Rodgers will not take their William Hill Premiership title triumph for granted if the champions get the point they need against Dundee United at Tannadice on Saturday.

Celtic are on the cusp of a fourth consecutive title and a 13th in 14 years, and a Scottish Gas Scottish Cup final against Aberdeen would give them the opportunity of a sixth treble in nine seasons.

Rodgers dismissed claims Celtic’s success is boring or comes too easy as he highlighted the challenge of meeting the raised expectations.

“I know we’re in a golden era here at Celtic,” he said. “People always say ‘you’re miles ahead’ and everything else. I always think you’re never too far behind and you’re never too far ahead.

“If you think you’re too far ahead then you’re too content and then you stop growing and you stop developing. What we want to do here is focus on ourselves.

“There’s been a generation now that’s had amazing success. Brilliant for the supporters. What I love about our supporters is we celebrate it like it is our first, there’s nothing taken for granted.

“We’re in a great period. But that only comes from keeping aggressive, putting in the work. It boils down to hard work consistently and performing.”

Celtic are 15 points ahead of Rangers and have maintained that type of gap for much of the campaign, while also progressing to a knockout fixture in the Champions League.

“This season has been so satisfying in so many ways for me,” Rodgers said. “I have loved seeing us evolve as a team and develop since the start of the season. We have bounced back from any setbacks too.

“Now the players are getting very close to seeing the reward for all the sacrifice they make. They are an incredible group of professionals who come in and work every day. They don’t look for any easy days or easy games,

“You see reports around it being ‘boring Celtic are winning’ and this and that. People don’t actually understand what goes into being that consistent to win.

“From the outside looking in, it can maybe feel like that. But the work that goes in off the pitch at this club is massive.

“From (principal shareholder) Dermot (Desmond) at the top, who has so much experience, knowledge and influence – with his intellect and everything, what he brings from the very top is so important.

“Then it moves to me in terms of meeting core performance, and you know your responsibility as a manager here. You have to drive the players to deal with the expectations of the supporters, which we cherish. That always pushes you to be the best you can.

“To live with that every day and give extra seven days a week is a challenge. For the players to come through that and be successful, that’s what you want at your club. On top of that, you want to do it consistently and the consistency is there. I tip my hat to the guys for how hard they work to get the rewards.”