BRENDAN RODGERS reflected on his eighth piece of silverware as the first season of his second stint as Celtic manager nears an epic conclusion.
However, as the Irishman looked back on an enjoyable third Premiership title as Hoops boss, he also prepared for a third Scottish Cup to boost his personal medal collection.
Rodgers guided the team through some choppy seas to clinch their twelfth crown in 13 years as the champions made certain in the 5-0 victory over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park a week ago today.
THREE CHEERS…Brendan Rodgers with his third Premiership title. Image courtesy Celtic TV.
The team completed the campaign with an eight-point advantage over their nearest challengers from Ibrox – and the sides go head to head for a fifth time this term at Hampden on Saturday.
Celtic have already won three and drawn the other of the previous all-Glasgow confrontations.
Rodgers thoroughly enjoyed Trophy Day in Paradise at the weekend when the glittering prize was handed over following the 3-2 success over St Mirren with 60,000 joyous fans celebrating big style in the sunshine.
The gaffer said: “It was a great day for the club and to win the game was a wonderful way to finish off the season.
“I said beforehand that the walk up The Celtic Way is a great walk to join the supporters and with Joe taking up the trophy.
“I felt that, at the end of the game we were going to have the joy of getting the trophy in front of the supporters and everything else – and we even had Santa Clause there, which was brilliant!
PRIZE GUYS…beaming boss Brendan Rodgers, skipper Callum McGregor and retiring keeper Joe Hart celebrate after the 3-2 victory over St Mirren at Parkhead.
“But the middle bit is the football and it was still a working day for us, and we did the work really well.”
Rodgers, speaking to Celtic TV, added: “It was nice at the weekend to celebrate, but now our focus is on the Scottish Cup Final.
“We’re preparing to bring a similar performance to what we did against Kilmarnock.
“So, it’s really good preparation. We’re playing on a fantastic surface, the last showpiece game of the season, and we want to come and bring our best selves to that and look to finish what would be a fantastic season.”
The Celtic support are ready to play their part at the national stadium.
