Celtic captain Scott Brown has said that he is relishing the title challenge with the Hoops this term. The Glasgow giants are currently experiencing one of their toughest league campaigns over the past eight years with Old Firm rivals Rangers offering them a strong challenge for the Premiership crown.

Speaking to reporters, the Scotland international indicated that he is enjoying the competition during the ongoing campaign with the club seeking to cope with the pressure from the trailing pack, he said: “I’m enjoying it. It’s been good to be fair for us. It shows we need to win games to stay on top.

“It shows that when the pressure is on the players can deal with it. For everyone if you want to be a winner you want to maintain that standard you set season after season. You’ve got to have that wee edge that when someone is coming up and think they can take that title away from you, you just push away again.”

Celtic have produced a mixed bag in terms of performances this term when compared to recent times and they have already suffered four league defeats – the same tally resulting from the past two campaigns. Nonetheless, the Hoops have continued to stay aloft at the top amid the competition and they are currently holding a six-point advantage over Steven Gerrard’s men.

Rodgers’ side are scheduled to face St Johnstone in the Scottish Cup fifth round this weekend and thereafter, they have a testing challenge against Valencia in the last 16 stage of the Europa League. On paper, the Spanish club are the better side for the round of 16 tie but the Hoops can spring a surprise, should they make the most of the home leg scheduled for Valentine’s Day. Celtic have already shown their potential in Europe during the group phase where they got the better of RB Leipzig by a 2-1 scoreline at Parkhead.