Brendan Rodgers issues weighty Celtic address on demand that seems 'unfair', Champions League revamp and Hart farewell

Brendan Rodgers admits it might seem 'unfair' to ask the Celtic players to go again for one last push after a gruelling season.

But he insists his troops know that is part and parcel of the job at Parkhead - as they go chasing the Scottish Cup cherry on the cake. Celtic were crowned Premiership champions for the third season running at the weekend and will get the chance to make it a Double against Rangers at Hampden this weekend. They've had to dig deep to get themselves into this position, with Rodgers finding himself under pressure for some indifferent form early in the campaign.

But his players have dug in and a run of eight wins in nine to finish the league campaign got them over the line. It was put to Rodgers on the club's TV channel that it almost seems 'unfair' to ask the players to go again. But he said: "They know that's a part of the job here.

"That job (winning the league) is complete, we finished the season as deserved champions. I'm so proud of how the players have dealt with the pressure that they've been under the last nine games or so. Eight wins and one draw, and the draw, we should have won. But it really shows you the focus and humility of the team.

"We're in a final, and finals are there to win. It might seem unfair to ask them to go again after that, but they get a little bit of a rest after the final. Then the international boys will meet up. Our focus is very much on our plan and preparation this week, getting ready for the special occasion.

"We're relaxed but focused. It was nice at the weekend to celebrate, but now our focus is on the final. We're prepared to deliver a similar performance to what we did against Kilmarnock. Really good preparation, we're playing on a fantastic surface, last showpiece game of the season and we want to bring our best selves to that. It would be the ideal finish to a fantastic season.

"(The fact it's a final) doesn't really change the complexion. We set out to win the game. We know we have to defend well and be aggressive, but our intent going into every game is to win. Cup game or not, we're in it to win. There's no second chances when it's a semi-final or final, that's our attitude.

"We arrive into it in really good form, but it doesn't mean anything. We still have to prepare thoroughly, look after all the details, and give the guys the best opportunity to go and be free and play the type of football we want to play.

"It was a great day for the club (on Saturday), I have to say. To win the game was a wonderful way to finish off the season. Walking up the Celtic Way is a great walk to join the supporters in that, (especially) with Joe going up to lift the trophy. I felt at the end of the game we were going to have the joy of getting the trophy in front of the supporters. We even had Santa Claus there, which was brilliant!

"But the middle bit is the football. It's still a working day for us. We did the work really well, we made lots of changes within the game, but the guys came through it really well. To eventually win was the icing on the cake."

Winning the league of course means Celtic go straight into the Champions League next season - and it will be unlike ever before with a new 36-team league format coming into play. "It's very exciting," Rodgers said. "You get those extra couple of games at that level. In every which way, whether it's the football or financial, it's a huge benefit to a club like ourselves. From a football perspective, I'm always very excited about testing ourselves against the very best teams."

Winning the cup would crown a trophy-laden season across the men and women's teams, as the Hoops became the first side ever to win the SPFL Premiership and SWPL1 titles in the same campaign. Rodgers was at Parkhead to watch Elena Sadiku's team beat Hibs 1-0 thanks to Amy Gallagher's late winner, which clinched the title in dramatic fashion.

He said: "I was so, so happy. It wouldn't matter if Celtic were playing at tiddlywinks, we want Celtic to win. However I was so honoured to be there with my family. The women played really well, their tactical idea in the game was very good. I really enjoyed it because the women are so honest to the game, how they play, how they give everything.

"And obviously knowing what the result was in the other game, knowing that we had to win, for it to be done in a typical Celtic way was absolutely brilliant. I was celebrating and cheering. For Elena and her staff, it was obviously a real historical moment. It was an absolutely brilliant weekend, capped off by the women winning. So pleased for everyone."

And the final word goes to Joe Hart, who will play his last game as a professional on Sunday. Paying tribute to the shotstopper, Rodgers said: "There will be an understanding that this is his last professional game. He's been brilliant in his time here and we would all love to send him off into the sunset with another trophy to his collection, and finish off what has been an absolutely incredible career.

"Joe is very focused. He's won another league title, and now he's lasered in on helping the team get this Scottish Cup."