Brendan Rodgers has challenged his Celtic players to continue their strong start to the season when they meet Rangers on Sunday.

The Old Firm duo clash at Hampden Park in the semi-finals of the Scottish League Cup, with the winner going on to face either Morton or Aberdeen in the showpiece on November 27.

Having won their most recent meeting 5-1 in September, the Bhoys are understandably the favourites to progress but know they will need to be on their guard after losing to their bitter rivals in the semi-finals of last year’s Scottish Cup.

Rodgers has enjoyed a decent opening few months in charge at Parkhead, guiding the team to the group stages of the Champions League and to the top of the Scottish Premier League standings.

Winning a trophy early in his reign would only further endear him to the faithful and he will be desperate to succeed on what the former Liverpool manager says will be his first trip to Hampden.

The 43-year-old admits he is expecting a tough test from Rangers and has urged his troops to rise to the occasion.

“It’s our first chance to win a trophy and it’s a priority for us because it’s the first one,” the Celtic manager told reporters. “We wanted to qualify for the Champions League, which we have done.

We wanted to make a good start in the league, which we have. “And now we want to get to the League Cup final to give ourselves a chance.

It’ll be a great game. Both sets of fans will be very passionate and hopefully we can perform well again.” Celtic are priced at 1.53 to win the game, with the draw 4.33 and the Gers the 5.50 outsiders.