Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has hit back at critics who treated him “like a novice” as he celebrated a victory over Rangers that all but seals another Scottish title.
A 2-1 Parkhead triumph on Saturday moved Celtic six points and seven goals clear of their rivals with two Scottish Premiership matches left.
The champions had lost a seven-point lead over their deadly Glasgow rivals but never saw the title slip out of their own hands and they have now moved within a point of glory ahead of Wednesday’s trip to Kilmarnock.
By his own admission, Rodgers has had a challenging first season back at Celtic, having a hard act to follow after the Ange Postecoglou era and trying to cope with injuries to key players.
The low point was back-to-back league defeats by Hearts and Kilmarnock in December, which prompted former Celtic striker Chris Sutton to argue that Rodgers was “going through the motions”.
“From a professional perspective there will be doubt,” the 51-year-old said after his 13th victory in 17 games against Rangers.
“From a personal perspective, I am surprised in a way when I heard somebody saying ‘Brendan Rodgers was going through the motions’ earlier in the season.
“Now, I get to work between half-seven and eight o’clock every day of my life. I leave the training ground between half-six and seven o’clock at night. And then when I get home, I have my dinner and probably flip on the computer and watch more football.
“Now, if that’s going through the motions, I want to know what every other manager is doing.
“So, from a personal level, I have been treated like a novice since I’ve come back here. Like it’s my first job.”
Celtic started the stronger side and had more chances in an open encounter before Matt O’Riley sparked a manic finale to the first half by driving home the opener.
Rangers midfielder John Lundstram soon put through his own net and was sent off for a foul on Alistair Johnston after Cyriel Dessers had pulled a goal back.
O’Riley saw a second-half penalty saved by Jack Butland as Celtic struggled to see off the challenge of the 10 men before a nervy finale.
But the final whistle sparked celebrations from the home supporters and the title could even be wrapped up on Tuesday, if Rangers fail to beat Dundee.
Rodgers said: “It’s a massive win and a great day for the supporters. But we’ll recover and hopefully finish the job off on Wednesday.”