Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers admits he is relishing the chance to face Steven Gerrard’s Rangers next season.

The Old Firm will always be one of the greatest rivalries in football, but next season’s promises to have that extra bit of drama about it, with Rodgers and Gerrard going toe-to-toe as managers.

The pair worked together at Liverpool for three years, with Gerrard the captain of the Reds, managed by Rodgers.

Speaking to the Kop icon, Rodgers was asked about the prospect of facing Steven Gerrard next season in the Old Firm.

“I’ve come up against guys that I’ve known well before, and I’ve come up against top class players before. So, there is nothing new in it.

“But of course, Steven is someone that I know well, and he has decided to take his first steps into management at Rangers, and I’m sure he’ll enjoy the challenge and the test of it all. So, it will be fun.

“When you go into management at whatever level then, no matter what you have done or achieved as a player, once you close that door behind you as a player, then you are entering a different sport.

“As a player, you are always looking after yourself and making sure that everything was okay. As a manager, you have to look after everything.

“But Stevie has got experience in terms of leadership and leading the team, so that will stand him in good stead, like you’ve seen with other captains who have gone into management positions.”

“Wherever you go as a first time manager, it is always a test. A club like Liverpool can train you for that a bit. I know that because I was the manager there and Steven has played there.

“It is when you have been in and around that pressure, in that environment, then it certainly helps when you go into another pressure situation. That is what can prepare you.

“And, of course, if it’s your first job, then it adds a little bit more to it. But that is why you make the steps into management. You have to take a step somewhere and he has decided to make that step at Rangers.

“It looks a really exciting league and it’s another season that I am excited about.”