23 GAMES IN 80 DAYS

Brendan insists his Bhoys are ready for a marathon

- FRASER WILSON

CRUNCH TIME FOR HOOPS

BRENDAN RODGERS says Celtic are ready for a lung-busting run of fixtures that could see them play 23 games in 80 days.

For the first time in four years top-flight players won't have a new year winter break.

And while Rodgers admits he loved the mid-season reset he says his players will enjoy the new challenge thrown up by the monster fixture schedule both at home and abroad.

The league leaders face Motherwell at Parkhead this afternoon looking to cement their nine-point lead at the top of the Premiership.

A trip across Glasgow to face Rangers in the second Old Firm league clash of the season comes in a week's time with St Johnstone visiting Parkhead in between.

After the new year they have two more Champions League fixtures against Young Boys in Glasgow and Aston Villa away as they look set to secure a play-off spot.