Celtic

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

It's highly likely Celtic will score at Pittodrie this evening. They've only failed to net twice since the turn of the year, at Ibrox and McDiarmid Park.

You have to go back 26 games against the Dons – to March 2019 – for the last time Aberdeen prevented the Parkhead side scoring. This season alone, Brendan Rodgers' men have put 14 into the Reds' net.

One more tonight will enable Rodgers to tick another item off this term's wishlist. Celtic's next goal will be their 107th of the season, eclipsing the tally of his first campaign as Hoops boss which landed 106 points, the same number of goals and an 'invincible treble'.

Despite a drop-off since the turn of the year, and in particular since dropping out of the Champions League, this season will give the manager much cause for satisfaction.

Celtic's goal difference is already a massive +82, which is 45 better than their nearest rivals Rangers. The club record for goals scored in a league season is 116, a mark that has stood since the First World War. The champions need 11 goals in two games to eclipse that. Unlikely but not impossible.

The other target is the domestic clean sweep, which is why tonight's trip to Pittodrie has a little extra edge. It's a dress rehearsal for the Scottish Cup final on Saturday week. Except in many ways it isn't.

Given Celtic only have one more match of real consequence this season - at Hampden - any players with fitness doubts are likely to be rested. Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alastair Johnston didn't play against Hibs at the weekend, for example.

Celtic can afford to lose at Pittodrie while Aberdeen can't in their pursuit of third place.

The only game Celtic need to be 100% for is the cup final. Yes, players are battling for spots in the team but the manager almost certainly has his Hampden starting line-up pencilled in already.

It's that simple for Celtic. One more goal, and one more win against Aberdeen in Mount Florida, and another hugely successful season will have been completed. The rest is just the noise of Saturday's title party.

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• Aberdeen are winless in their past 29 meetings with Celtic in all competitions (D6 L23) since a 1-0 league win in May 2018.

• Celtic are unbeaten in 16 visits to Aberdeen (all in the league), winning 13 and drawing three since a 2-1 defeat in February 2016.

• Aberdeen have won their final home league game in four of the past six seasons (D1 L1 – including curtailed 2019-20 season), including both of their past two. They last achieved this three seasons in a row from 2006-07 to 2008-09.

• Celtic have only won their final away league game in one of the past six seasons (D3 L2 – including curtailed 2019-20 season), although that was a 5-0 victory at Kilmarnock last term.

• In his managerial career, Celtic's Brendan Rodgers has enjoyed 13 league wins against Aberdeen – his t-most against a single opponent, along with Dundee and Hearts.

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Aberdeen defenders Alexander Jensen and Kristers Tobers are available again. Ester Sokler (leg), Sivert Heltne Nilsen (eye) and Vicente Besuijen (knee) remain out.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers promised a reshuffle and Alistair Johnston returns from a hip problem. Daizen Maeda will stay behind for treatment on a niggle.

Kasper Schmeichel drops out to assess his shoulder's reaction to his comeback, but Cameron Carter-Vickers and Dane Murray remain out.

Image source, PA Media

Tyrhys Dolan, who was on Celtic's list of options before g Jota in the January transfer window, is being monitored by the Scottish champions and Rangers as the 23-year-old winger nears the end of his contract with Blackburn Rovers. (Herald - subscription required), external

Celtic have been handed encouragement in their pursuit of David Strelec, with Slovan Bratislava chief executive Ivan Kmotrik itting the 24-year-old frontman could be available for a reduced transfer fee in the summer. (Record), external

Jeremie Frimpong has told Bayer Leverkusen he wants to leave this summer and the 24-year-old would be happy to move to Liverpool if they decide to sign a right-back this summer, with former club Celtic due 30% of any profit should any club trigger his £29.5m release clause. (Sky Sports), external

Frimpong, 24, is closing in on a £29.5m move to Liverpool. (Mail), external

Liverpool are now very close to g Frimpong, with the English champions ready to pay £33.6m to avoid competition from other clubs, including Bayern Munich. (TeamTalk), external

Swansea City have ed Celtic in a bid to land Darren O'Dea, currently the Scottish champions' professional player pathway manager, as assistant to new manager Alan Sheehan. (Sky Sports), external

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Having a Scottish core at Celtic "is 100% key to your success", says manager Brendan Rodgers.

Rodgers was speaking in reference to right-back Anthony Ralston hinting that he would happily finish his career at Celtic.

"Guys like Tony are really pivotal to the culture of this club," said Rodgers.

"He doesn't play every single game, but he is probably one of our most important players here because of his history at the club.

"But also the likes of Greg Taylor, the other Scottish boys, not just the guys who have come through here, are important. Scott Bain doesn't play hardly ever, but he has been a real leader behind the scenes as well.

"You always look from within to see if there are players in your academy who can make the step up. It has been very difficult in recent times just because of the level the team and the club are operating at.

"But there is a pathway for a young player here 100%, with patience and a bit of development. The second look of course is outside."

In of potential homegrown recruits, Rodgers commented: "I have loved working with the Scottish players when I have been up here. That is what we do.

"We look to homegrown to see if there is anyone we feel can improve our squad, to see if there is a young player who can come in and has that potential to be a starter here, so it is always something we cover in our recruitment."

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Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has been speaking to the media before the Scottish Premiership champions' Wednesday visit to Aberdeen.

Here are the key lines:

• Rodgers feels the amount of trebles Celtic have won in recent years "is taken for granted", adding: "There's so much work in it, it's not something you can take for granted because even luck can go against you in games".

• The manager believes "it's very important" to have a Scottish core of players at Celtic, explaining: "Guys like Tony [Ralston] are really pivotal to the culture of this club. He doesn't play every single game, but he is probably one of our most important players here because of his history at the club.

• "But also the likes of Greg Taylor," Rodgers added. "The other Scottish boys, not just the guys who have come through here, are important."

• Summer g Kieran Tierney will be "champing at the bit" to return to Celtic this summer, Rodgers believes.

• With Aberdeen also Celtic's opponents in the Scottish Cup final later this month, Rodgers' approach to Wednesday's league game is straightforward, saying: "We want to win the game and, importantly, we want to play well."

• Defenders Cameron Carter-Vickers misses out at Pittodrie, along with forward Daizen Maeda, while right-back Alistair Johnston is available.

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Brendan Rodgers says it is a "real honour" to receive the Scottish Premiership's manager of the season award after leading Celtic to their fourth league title in a row.

The Parkhead side wrapped up a 13th top-flight crown in 14 seasons in their five-goal win at Dundee United at the end of April.

Rodgers, who also won two manager of the month prizes in September and November, has also guided Celtic to League Cup success this term and has a Scottish Cup final to look forward to later this month.

With two league fixtures left to play away to Aberdeen and at home to St Mirren, Celtic head into their final league matches 17 points clear at the top of the Premiership table with 28 wins, four draws and only four losses.

On receiving the prize, manager Rodgers said: "It is a real honour to receive this award and it is one for us all - the players, my backroom team and all the staff at the club who have worked so hard right across the season to deliver such a high level of consistency and success.

"We have produced some great performances across the season and some great numbers, which have been the foundation for us wining the Premiership title so convincingly.

"Our aim at the start of every season will be to bring exciting, attacking and winning football to our fans and we are pleased to have done that again this year."

Tino
Fan writer

We find ourselves back in familiar territory this weekend as Celtic get ready to lift the Scottish Premiership trophy for the 13th time in 14 seasons.

At this point, it's practically part of the football calendar: summer, autumn, winter, and Celtic winning the league.

Never in the annals of Scottish football has one team enjoyed such consistent dominance. It's bordering on a monopoly - but the kind we as fans are happy to embrace.

And while Callum McGregor might want to start lifting with his other arm (there's a genuine concern about repetitive strain injury at this point), some of his team-mates are just getting their first taste of title glory.

Arne Engels, Luke McCowan and Auston Trusty are all preparing for a party in Paradise at the weekend as the new Bhoys enjoy league success for the very first time.

For McCowan, a lifelong Hoops fan, this is a dream come true. For the others, it's a crash course in what it means to be Celtic: win, win again, then be told winning isn't enough unless you do it better next time around.

Because that's the thing - success doesn't buy you contentment at this club. It buys you expectations. Pressure doesn't lift after a title win. It doubles. Just ask McGregor. The captain's probably thinking about pre-season already.

And of course, things in football can change quickly (season 2020-21, anyone?), but if Rangers are banking on Celtic taking a nap while they try to sort themselves out, they'd better set an alarm.

This team doesn't do standing still. They do relentless.

With 120 major honours in 138 years, we're not just clinging to history - we're creating it. And in a fortnight, we could be polishing off a Scottish Cup to top off the season.

Brendan Rodgers has done more than steady the ship since his return. He's given us trophy after trophy, goals galore, and a return to challenging at the top tier of European football.

Celtic came within a whisker of taking Bayern Munich to extra time in the Champions League this season. That's not a fluke. That's a show of intent.

And what about Celtic's newfound level of spending?

The days of rummaging in the bargain bin are over. A reported £28m splashed on just three players this season alone - Engels, Adam Idah and Jota.

Celtic aren't shopping on the same aisle as our rivals. We've moved on to a whole different shopping centre altogether. Or 'a mall' as they call it in America...

So while the trophy lift might feel like deja vu, it never gets old.

Not for the players, not for the fans, and certainly not for a club that's hell-bent on staying top while everyone else plays catch-up.

Here's to another day of celebration for the club this weekend - and maybe another trophy to add to the collection before the season's out.

Tino can be found at The Celtic Exchange, external

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is seventh favourite with bookmakers to become Manchester United manager should the Premier League club part with Ruben Amorim this summer, with Jose Mourinho topping the betting. (Sun), external

Former Manchester United and Trinidad & Tobago striker Dwight Yorke was offered a contract by Celtic in 2004, but no move materialised. (Sun), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish gossip

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Nicolas Kuhn: Timing his form perfectly for the Scottish Cup final, which could be troublesome for Aberdeen. A goal and an assist against Hibs. Hit the doldrums and was utterly becalmed for a few months, but the wind is back in his sails.

Reo Hatate: The best player for Celtic in their defeat of Hibs. Has all the es and class in abundance.

Watch Sportscene pundit Michael Stewart analyse Celtic striker Adam Idah's performance in Saturday's win over Hibernian. (Available to UK s only)

David Strelec would score a "minimum" of 20 goals if he signs for Celtic, who have been urged to move for the Slovan Bratislava striker by former playmaker Lubomir Moravcik. (Daily Record)

Celtic's long-awaited new training facility - which was expected to open in January - is now only three weeks away from being completed. (Scottish Sun)

Read the rest of Monday's gossip.

Watch highlights as champions Celtic win 3-1 against third-place Hibs in the Scottish Premiership. (Available to UK s only)

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Brendan Rodgers itted he has already named his Celtic team for the midweek trip to Aberdeen - a dress rehearsal for the Scottish Cup final in a few weeks' time.

The Celtic boss told his players his next starting XI in the immediate aftermath of their 3-1 win over Hibernian on Saturday.

"You're obviously looking at recovery periods and looking at the Scottish Cup final and trying to work your way back," Rodgers said.

"Plus, we played a week ago, so no, I didn't think the need to do that [make lots of changes], but I've already named the team for Aberdeen to the guys, they know the team for Wednesday."

Despite hinting at a radical changes to his side before the 3-1 win over Hibs, Rodgers only made three - bringing in Kasper Schmeichel, Auston Trusty and Nicolas Kuhn.

He also handed a debut to 17-year-old midfielder Sean McArdle from the bench.

"I trust all the players," he said. "The players I'll bring in will be equipped and ready to go there and win the game. It's just on the back of such a long, long season and having the freshness.

"Obviously, we'll have Ali Johnston, he'll be back then for Wednesday as well.

"I just think it's keeping the freshness in the team. The target was to arrive at the Scottish Cup final with as many of the players with minutes in their legs.

"And then that gives us an opportunity to choose the team and a bench to win."

One position that will definitely rotate midweek is the goalkeeper, with Viljami Sinisalo swapping with Schmeichel.

"Viljami will play," Rodgers said. "It was just for Kasper to get the feeling again. He's been out for a long time, but I think that him being out, the positive is that having the chance to see Vil now and his authority, you see the calmness of him for such a young goalkeeper.

"We've really, really gained from that.

"But with Kasper, I know in football there's short memories, but not with me. He's been brilliant for me all season, and it's just nice to get him that feel, see how he reacts with his shoulder over the course of the week, and then we can look at it next week."

We asked for your views on Celtic's 3-1 win against Hibs.

Here's what some of you said:

JP: The way Celtic replied to going a goal down was good to see. Defensively we missed Cameron Carter-Vickers but Nicolas Kuhn looks to be getting back to his best.

Tam: The majority of the first half, had me scratching my head. For champions, the play in the final third was shocking. A single shot on target would have been nice. I always like to give players a chance, but Adam Idah should be scoring way more goals due to the excellent service he gets from the lads. The best team won comfortably in the end, but chances missed could be a problem in the future. We also need to enhance the defence, losing breakaway goals to silly mistakes is not acceptable.

Paul: Typical end of season match with only the formalities to play for, but it was a dominant victory for Celtic against a resurgent Hibernian side. Another typical error by Auston Trusty when he should've easily cleared for Martin Boyle's opener. Reo Hatate's team goal was just quite simply a touch of class - Celtic will now finish this long campaign with aplomb hopefully.

Ivan: Hatate an absolute stand out for man of the match. Kuhn clicking back to his old self just in time for the cup final. If I was the Dandy Dons I would be seriously worried.

Neil: Idah missed four decent chances and continues to fail to impress and win over the fans. Tony Ralston did really well and I think any flack Liam Scales gets is unjustified. We should beat Aberdeen but need to think about Champions League qualification with a centre-back and a striker top priority.

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• Celtic are undefeated in their past four games in the Premiership, their last longer unbeaten streak was from 5 January to 15 February, a run of seven games.

• Hibs have lost after scoring the opening goal in the Premiership for the first time since 23 November 2024 against Dundee (14 games without defeat).

• Celtic have won after conceding the opening goal in the Premiership for the first time since 6 October 2024 against Ross County (five games without a win).

• Jordan Smith made five saves, the first time he has made at least five saves in a match in the Premiership since facing St Mirren on 16 February (six saves).

Celtic-linked Veljko Milosavljevic is in demand, with Czech outlet Meridian Sport claiming unnamed clubs in and Spain want to sign the 17-year-old Red Star Belgrade centre-back. (Daily Record), external

Read the rest of Sunday's Scottish gossip.

Nick Mheat
BBC Sport Scotland

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After a sublime first half of the campaign, Nicolas Kuhn's form had dipped following the turn of the year - but the Celtic winger looks to be coming back to his best at a crucial time with four goal contributions in his past two games.

The 25-year-old showed great awareness to round Jordan Smith and net the leveller before lifting through a gorgeous for Adam Idah, who had been denied in the opening stages by the Hibs goalkeeper, to smash in the second.

Returning from a shoulder injury, Kasper Schmeichel, who denied Martin Boyle at point-blank range with a stunning reaction save before Hibs' opener, getting minutes in the bank is a boost for Brendan Rodgers, but the Celtic boss will perhaps still have his concerns about his defence while Cameron Carter-Vickers is absent.

The opener from Hibs was a mess from a Celtic perspective, with Auston Trusty totally unconvincing in an attempt to clear the ball and centre-back partner Liam Scales looking shaky at times in the first half.

The champions' backline just does not look the same without Carter-Vickers. With the summer transfer window looming, it could be an area Rodgers looks to strengthen again.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "The performance level overall was excellent. We went one behind, but we were doing so many good things in the game.

"We stayed calm. My big message was about building on our recent success - that's what the club is all about. We want to go into [the Scottish Cup final] in a really good way, for that we need to work.

"That's why we have success here, because we build on past success and don't settle and accept it."

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Were you at Celtic Park or following the match elsewhere?

Either way, we want your views on Celtic's 3-1 win over Hibernian - have your say here.