BRENDAN RODGERS insisted Celtic will have to perform at the highest level to get anything from the Premiership encounter against Hibs at Parkhead tomorrow.
Neil Lennon’s side have proved to be difficult opponents with 2-2 draws in Glasgow and Easter Road while they were a formidable force in the Betfred League Cup semi-final which the Hoops eventually emerged with a 4-2 victory.
Rodgers said: “They have always been tough games and they have tended to come on the back of busy schedules for us.
“They played well at Celtic Park. We were ahead in the match, but they showed good spirit to get in front and we had to fight to earn a draw that day.
“The League Cup semi-final was a good game.
“I felt the last result at Easter Road wasn’t a true reflection on the game as we were really dominant for 75 minutes without having many chances against us.
“We took our foot off the gas a wee bit. It ended up 2-2, but I think Lenny said afterwards he wasn’t so happy with the performance.
“However, they’re always tough games.
“Hibs are a good side and are competitive with good talent.”
The champions have beaten Brechin City 5-0 in the Scottish Cup and Partiuck Thistle 2-1 in the league since returning from their three-week winter break.
Rodgers reckons his men are in good shape and emphasised that by coming back from a goal down to win at Firhill on Tuesday night.
He added: “The reaction in the second-half was very good.
“We had to change the shape of the team, took a greater risk by taking off a defender.
“Then once we got the lead we shored it up and played well. As I said at the time and reflecting on it afterwards, they are all tough games.
“We always have to be at our very best to get results.”
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