All Celtic's success 'earned', says Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers is within touching distance of another trophy as Celtic manager

Premier Sports Cup final: Celtic v Rangers

Venue: Hampden Park, Glasgow Date: Sunday, 15 December Kick-off: 15:30 GMT

Coverage: Listen on BBC Radio Scotland & BBC Sounds, live text commentary on the BBC Sport website & app

Brendan Rodgers says Celtic have been "organically grown" and their success and status has "all been earned".

The Glasgow side will aim to win their 119th major domestic honour when they face holders and city rivals Rangers in Sunday's Scottish League Cup final.

Rodgers was asked about Rangers counterpart Philippe Clement's recent suggestion that the Ibrox side were underdogs given the relative finances of the two clubs.

In their most recent accounts, Celtic announced a £13.4m profit after revenue of £124.6m. Rangers' equivalent figures were a £17.2m loss against £88.3m revenue.

"This is a club that's been organically grown," Rodgers, who could win his 10th trophy as Celtic manager, said.

"We haven't been handed money. This is something that's been grown. That has allowed us to win and, when you win, that brings more success.

"For us, that is all I'm interested in. The club is in a brilliant position, but it's all been earned."

Final 'great way to have something tangible'

Rodgers, now in his second spell as Celtic boss, led his side to a Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup double last term and they are currently nine points clear at the top of the league after 15 games.

Celtic are also well placed to progress in the Champions League with nine points from six games.

"I look back on that once I'm done," the Northern Irishman said of his honours haul. "It doesn't really count for much in my own feeling.

"Just because you've won doesn't mean you can turn up and not prepare. It's a final, so you don't expect everything to go your way, so it's about preparing for and expecting that.

"It's the first trophy of the season, we've had a brilliant season up until now and this will be a great way to have something tangible to show for that.

"I don't think it's a statement. We've got other competitions that we're in and we're doing very well in so want to continue with that. It's our next game and we want to win our next game."