Sloppy champs are in a chase against time

Bren says it's early but he faces struggle to turn tables on Mclnnes' flying machine

- BY RYAN McDONALD

BRENDAN RODGERS might be reluctant to say it.

But whichever way the Celtic boss spins it, Hearts are the REAL deal. Eight points behind the leaders at the end of October has seen Old Firm gaffers handed their P45s in the past.

There's no way Park-head chiefs will pull the trigger on a manager whos hoovered up all but two domestic trophies available across his two spells in charge.

But there's no doubt Celtic's aura of invincibility is fading and suddenly the natural order looks under threat.

Yet despite the gap that now exists between them and Derek McInnes’ pacesetters, there's no chance Rodgers will push the panic button just nine games into the league campaign.

He said: “I think when you make a strong start, which they've done, they've obviously got one game a week, which is a big advantage.