Despite having won all but one domestic competition entered during his time as Celtic manager, Brendan Rodgers is adamant he and his teams' successes are invariably underpinned by hard work.

In his two spells in the Celtic dugout, the Irishman has clinched nine trophies – seven during his first tenure between 2016 and 2019, and two upon his return last summer – a haul that includes two domestic trebles.

In fact, last season's League Cup is the only trophy that has managed to elude the 51-year-old in Scotland, when a well-contested last-16 tie against Kilmarnock last August saw the hosts triumph 1-0.

Nevertheless, he and his players' hard work from thereon saw Celtic clinch a traditional league and cup double come May 25 this year, when the Parkhead side overcame Rangers at Hampden in the Scottish Cup Final 2024. 

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Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Celtic View, the manager said: "I wasn’t a big name player so I’d never had that protection of being that, so nothing has ever come easy for me in my coaching and professional life.

"This season was no different. There were other different challenges within that, but that’s where I always feel I’m at my best, when the challenge is there and the pressure is on, then that’s something I enjoy proving the point.

"So from a professional perspective, I was really pleased that we grew as the season went on because that’s what is important – coming in, picking up a group of players and convincing them to work how we want to work, and then seeing that develop and grow as the season goes on."

Rodgers described Celtic's double triumph as "absolutely brilliant", before saying it set everyone up for an enjoyable summer – his players and the club's supporters alike.

The Irishman added: "I’m very lucky to manage such an amazing club and I want to be here for as long as I can and bring as much success as I can."