Rangers v Celtic: Brendan Rodgers has no problem with 'top referee' Beaton

Kyogo scored the only goal on Celtic's last league visit to Ibrox in early September

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers insists he is "comfortable" with the choice of referee John Beaton for Sunday's Old Firm derby at Ibrox.

Rodgers served a one-game touchline ban last weekend as punishment for his criticism of VAR Beaton's role in Celtic's loss at Hearts in early March, complaining of "incompetence" from the officials.

"These games are for the top referees and I've always said that John Beaton is one of the top referees in the country," said Rodgers.

"He's been allocated the game, I'm comfortable with that.

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"My point [at Tynecastle], was for that one game. I wasn't talking about John Beaton's career. My gripe was on that day.

"They will feel they have to appoint someone who is experienced and John is one of the top, experienced referees in the country."

Celtic travel across Glasgow leading the Premiership by one point, but having played one more game than their city rivals.

The defending champions have won both meetings with Rangers this term and Rodgers has been victorious in 12 of his 15 derbies in all competitions across his two spells, losing just once.

"This is an important game for both teams," said Rodgers. "Our mindset is to go and do what we did earlier in the season, which is to win."

Celtic will be 'logical' on McGregor comeback

Celtic were missing key players when they prevailed 1-0 at Ibrox in September and Rodgers is looking for a repeat of the fortitude shown on that occasion, while welcoming an almost fully-fit squad.

Captain Callum McGregor and winger Luis Palma are training again after missing the past four matches, while Reo Hatate and Cameron Carter-Vickers returned in the win at Livingston last time out.

Rodgers is yet to make a decision on whether his captain will start, with McGregor to be fully assessed on Saturday.

"He's way ahead of schedule," said Rodgers. "If he is involved, then it's great news for us because we'll have a clean bill of health for probably the first time this season.

"He's the type of player who can probably get by at 80%. He has that level, that quality. But you also have to think about the remaining games. It's just about being logical.

"The squad is much stronger [than September]. We are going to have a bench that can really affect the game if needed."

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