There was perhaps just a glint of mischief in Brendan Rodgers’ eyes when he was told the spotlight will be elsewhere in the Premiership on Wednesday night.
“It’s obviously a big game between second and third place,” said the Celtic boss, fully aware that resurgent Aberdeen’s clash with a erratically inconsistent Rangers side will undoubtedly dominate the narrative of a full schedule of midweek fixtures.
Regardless of the result at Pittodrie, Celtic will remain at the top of the table if they do what is expected of them at home to Dundee.
According to Rodgers, this will still be down to goal difference with Aberdeen should Jimmy Thelin’s men beat Rangers, or if another result allows the reigning champions to open a points gap for the first time this season, it is not yet very relevant.
Unsurprisingly and understandably, he was quick to insist that Celtic will focus solely on their own efforts as they look to maintain their unbeaten start to their latest title defence.
Brendan Rodgers remains focused on the visit of Dundee on Wednesday night
Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Nicolas Kuhn enjoy training
While Aberdeen’s credibility as a challenger would be further enhanced by a win, the prospect of Rangers falling nine points off the pace in third is something that would certainly be welcomed by Celtic fans.
“Regardless of (the result at Pittodrie), it really is too early,” Rodgers responded when asked which scenario would suit him best.
“We have only played 10 games. I know that the preparation for the title begins from further away every year, but there are many challenges to overcome in the season.
‘So the result can be whatever. For us, it’s about focusing on getting the three points against Dundee, playing our football and entertaining our fans. Because ultimately, that’s what we can control.
“You can only take care of yourself and I’m very happy with how our team has been playing, performing and working.” If we look or think about anything else, it could affect our performance.
“So yeah, I’m sure it’s going to be a really good game at Pittodrie. It always is, Aberdeen-Rangers or Rangers-Aberdeen. “But we have an important game at home against Dundee and that is our only objective.”
Rodgers is waiting to find out if he will be able to turn to Adam Idah after the striker suffered a painful ankle injury in Sunday’s 3-0 win over Motherwell at Fir Park.
The Republic of Ireland international today underwent a scan to determine the extent of the damage caused by a foul by Liam Gordon which led to the Motherwell defender’s sending off following a VAR intervention.
The decision was questioned by Motherwell boss Stuart Kettlewell, but Rodgers believes his counterpart may have changed his mind after seeing footage of the incident.
“It’s a poor challenge,” Rodgers said. “It was a nasty blow for Adam to take. I can’t worry about how long he’ll be out until we get the scan results.
‘Fortunately the ground was a little wet and his foot was able to move. If it was a dry pitch and your foot got stuck, then it could have been a very, very bad pitch.
“I said at the time that I didn’t think the Motherwell player meant to hurt Adam. “I still feel it, but it was a poor challenge. “He was down the stretch, off the ground and it’s a poor challenge.
‘I respect that Stuart has to defend his player. Sometimes it is difficult for coaches immediately after a game to fulfill their media duties.
‘Looking at it again, I think anyone would say it was a red card. I think when Stuart sees it again, he’ll see it too.
Captain Callum McGregor may again miss the adductor problem that forced him to miss the victory at Motherwell, but Rodgers hopes he will be available for Saturday’s League Cup semi-final against Aberdeen at Hampden.
Winger James Forrest enjoyed a rare starting appearance at Fir Park and the veteran winger now cherishes any moment he takes to the field more than ever.
James Forrest focuses on the here and now despite his contract expiring soon
The 33-year-old is out of contract at the end of this season and admits he is unsure whether his trophy-laden career at Celtic Park will come to an end next summer.
“I’ve been asked about it a few times, but right now I’m just focusing on getting involved with the team,” Forrest said. ‘I’m enjoying it as much as ever and I’m just focusing on the here and now.
‘Maybe I’ll start thinking about it towards the end of the season. I haven’t got my coaching badges yet, but I’ve spoken to players who have and maybe there’ll be time to look at it next year. But I still don’t want to stop thinking about playing.”
Forrest enjoyed a golden run of form at the end of last season, scoring five goals in 10 games and playing a key role in helping them to the league and Scottish Cup double.
“During the period when I wasn’t involved in the team before that, I was maybe wondering if I would ever play for Celtic again,” he added.
‘Now it’s about not taking anything for granted. We look at the end of last season, where we participated, won the league and the Scottish Cup.
Even this year I will go again in the preseason. I’m not saying it’s a second chance, but maybe you felt like you were done.
“I think that’s why I’m really enjoying it. Is it about absorbing it? Absolutely, 100 percent.
‘That detail, I’ve probably never had that before in my career. “I was thinking if I go back in, I’ll make sure I really enjoy it and take it in.”