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Celtic bounced back from their 2-0 defeat against Hibernian on Sunday by beating Motherwell 3-0 at Parkhead on Wednesday night, and manager Brendan Rodgers' comments pre-match suggest that Rangers and Steven Gerrard have a big problem to deal with.

What did he say?

According to quotes, via The Scottish Sun, Rodgers said:

"We'll be at the top, or somewhere about it, by the turn of the year. We know we'll get stronger. We know we'll get better.

"We'll push on into the second half of the season really motivated. We're getting towards the end of another great year."

How should his comments be interpreted?

Well, after Rangers topped the Scottish Premiership table at the weekend after they took advantage of their arch-enemies slipping up by beating Hamilton 1-0, Rodgers' message is clearly aimed at them by telling Gerrard that his side are going to improve – they certainly haven't been at their best at times this season.

Despite that fact, their 3-0 success against Motherwell took them back to the summit of the Scottish Premiership table, and given the Northern Irishman's comments that he believes still aren't playing at their maximum, their Glasgow neighbours have been given plenty to think about.

The 38-year-old Liverpool legend will be well aware that his side need to be at their best if they want to continue competing against the Bhoys for the title, and he will realistically know that they need to take all three points when they host Celtic at Ibrox on December 29 to gain an advantage, before the three-week winter break.