John Kennedy says that Celtic are ready to face the challenge of Rangers as the champions near full strength for the trip to Ibrox next weekend.

The Celtic assistant took the place of manager Brendan Rodgers in the dugout as he served his touchline ban in the 3-0 win over Livingston at Almondvale, and he was particularly delighted with the performance of the returning Reo Hatate in the midfield.

With captain Callum McGregor in contention for next Sunday after not being risked on Livingston’s artificial surface, and with Cameron Carter-Vickers restored to the heart of the defence, Kennedy feels that Celtic are in a good place for the challenge of taking on Philippe Clement’s men.

“Yes, I think we are,” Kennedy said.

“If you look at the way we’re attacking and our control, especially today. Our attacking game has really clicked the last little while, especially with having the front players and even Nick (Kuhn) coming into the equation.

“Initially he had a period off, he came in kind of unfit, but you can see he’s now up to speed and Yang’s back from suspension. We’ve now got options. It’s not just the starting players, it’s what comes in behind that.

“We basically changed the front three today and the second front three was still strong. We’ve got lots of options and everybody will contribute.

“It’s like any other game. We just have to approach it the same as we have done and not get involved in the emotional side. Sometimes that can be a burden so for us it’s about focusing on our training and making sure we’re prepared for the game.”

Hatate was withdrawn after 65 minutes at Livingston to protect him ahead of the game at Ibrox, but he did more than enough in the time he was on the pitch to excite Kennedy, and the Celtic support, about his return.

“He was on it right from the first minute and he has been in training, which is why the gaffer thought to get him in the team quickly,” he said..

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