SCUNNERED? I'VE NEVER BEEN MORE MOTIVATED

MOTIVATED Bren insists he’s not on a downer about Celts

- BY MICHAEL GANNON

BRENDAN RODGERS has been in Glasgow long enough across his two stints as Celtic manager to pick up plenty of the local lingo.

So the Northern Irishman didn't need any translation when it was put to him that he could be entitled to feel a bit scunnered by it all right now.

There was a smile and a nod, as he knew exactly what it meant and why it might be the case.

The fall-out from the summer transfer window is being well and truly felt, the fans are at war with the board and some are now questioning his ability and appetite for the job.

Rodgers is adamant that any misgivings supporters have about his desire couldn't be further from the truth.

He is gearing up for a fortnight that could shape the season. Sturm Graz in the Europa League tonight, Hearts in the league at Tynecastle on Sunday, the Premier Sports Cup Old Firm showdown seven days later.

This is make-or-break time - and it's come when the Celtic squad are out of form and short of quality.

Dundee's 2-0 win last weekend was their first over the Hoops at Dens Park since 1988 and exposed all the champions' shortcomings.

Rodgers likened the difficulties he's facing to being handed the keys to a Honda Civic and asked to drive it like a Ferrari when he reflected on the defeat and the problems he's had after losing the goal threat of Kyogo Furuhashi, Nicolas Kuhn and Adam Idah.

Former Celtic manager Martin O'Neill felt it was unwise of Rodgers to be so critical of the hierarchy.

Yet Rodgers bristles at any suggestions he's downbeat or is now simply running down his contract until he inevitably departs next summer.