Brendan Rodgers spoke to Sky Sports Scotland this afternoon ahead of his media conference over at Lennoxtown as he gave his thoughts on the upcoming match against Tony Docherty’s Dundee side. The gaffer is focussed and prepared as we face the last few remaining games in a season which has been up and down, to say the least.

Of course, the big question on everyone’s lips was ‘would Daizen Maeda be back this week’, however, the Irishman was able to confirm that although his Japanese international won’t be available for selection this weekend, that they expect him to play some part in the Scottish Premiership’ title run-in, which is music to the ears of the Hoops masses to have our battery-run winger back.

Rodgers was once again adamant that this team will indeed write their own story for this dramatic finale to the season, and revealed his belief that despite other narratives that have developed, Celtic can only control what is in their hands and right in front of them.

With only five games to go now, it will be a case of grinding out those wins and not looking too far ahead as each passing matchday appears on the calendar now.

The Irishman gave a wry smile when he was quizzed about the Dundee playing surface and asked if it was now ready to rock, in light of the hullabaloo that had developed over these past few weeks; with a certain rival complaining incessantly about the game being postponed, having originally rejected the first available date to replay the fixture, due to the upcoming Glasgow Derby match on 7 April.

Although insisting that he thought it could be doing with a bit of a watering, the former Leicester City boss is looking forward to an interesting game at Dens Park, as he’s not had the opportunity to go there this season, having previously played Dundee twice at Celtic Park this year, winning 3-0 and 7-1 during the last two encounters.

It will be a difficult afternoon for his men but he insists that both he and his players are up for the challenge and enjoying the title race.

Watch the boss talk in more detail about our Dundee trip below…

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Mavericks advance to Western Conference Finals aided by controversial call late
Connor McDavid, Oilers hammer Canucks to force Game 7
Tyson Fury-Oleksandr Usyk epic increases excitement for potential rematch
Seize the Grey wins in muddy Preakness
Even Mike Budenholzer admits the Suns need a point guard
Watch: Juan Soto's first multi-homer game as a Yankee
Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa lead at PGA Championship
Knicks could get major boost for Game 7 showdown with Pacers
Giants All-Star pitcher suffers setback in recovery from injury
Panthers star named winner of 2024 Selke Trophy
WNBA to investigate $100,000 sponsorship deals for Aces players
Tiger Woods blames one big factor for missing the cut at PGA Championship
'Ain't good enough': Draymond Green claims Celtics must 'win it all' or it's a 'failure'
Blue Jays GM wants struggling club to feel 'massive sense of urgency'
Raptors expected to flip former NBA champion during the offseason
MLB insider reveals Mets' massive extension offer that Pete Alonso turned down
Celtics legend provides update after gruesome finger injury
Bulls hire former NBA head coach as top assistant
Chiefs move on from young running back
20-year MLB veteran working out, unsure about playing future

Want more FC news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.