Brendan Rodgers impressed by players' desire in treble hunt

Brendan Rodgers says he's noticed the focus in the eyes of his Celtic players as they head into what could be a historic end to the season.

The Hoops continue their hunt for their seventh successive Premiership title with a home game against bottom side Ross County on Saturday.

With the League Cup already secured and a Scottish Cup semi-final against Rangers at Hampden Park on the horizon, Rodgers believes his players are in the right frame of mind to achieve a second successive domestic treble.

"We are moving into a real exciting period with nine, hopefully 10 games left with the league and Scottish Cup games,'' said the Northern Irishman, whose side are 10 points clear of their Old Firm rivals at the top of the table with a game in hand.

"It is a real exciting period for us. The players are back and I can see it in their eyes.''

Celtic are attempting to become the first team in Scottish football history to achieve back-to-back trebles.

"It was a similar feel this time last year. We know we are entering into the real business end of the season now,'' Rodgers said.

"We are in a great position in the league, in a cup semi-final and a wonderful opportunity to again re-write the history books.

"It is something we are very focused on but it will be a real collective. The supporters are going to be massive for us over this next couple of months.

"The support they give us is absolutely incredible and this well help drive us on. It is a real exciting time.''

The Staggies are rooted at the bottom of the table under co-managers Stuart Kettlewell and Steven Ferguson who were put in charge until the end of the season, following the departure of Owen Coyle earlier in the month.

However, Rodgers is taking nothing for granted although he concedes he can see the finishing line in the title race.

The former Swansea and Liverpool manager said: "Between now until the end of the season all the teams are fighting for different reasons and of course the teams that are fighting to stay in the league will always make it difficult.

"There has been another change of manager so we prepare for a tough game. There are a lot of exciting games ahead but our focus is on Ross County and looking to get three points.

"There is no denying that we are close.

"We have eight games to go, other teams have less. We are 10 points clear with a game in hand so we can't deny it is not too far away but you can only concentrate on your next game.

"We have three games this week and the first one will be a tough one like the other two.'

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