Brendan Rodgers hailed his Celtic players to a man following a fiercely-contested derby that saw his players overcome their rivals 2-1 at Celtic Park.

Speaking in the immediate aftermath of the Scottish Premiership's flagship fixture, the manager described the victory as significant, and one that will be cherished by Celtic supporters worldwide.

The Irishman told Sky Sports: "It is a very significant win. We're nearly there now but not fully, but three points and another goal to the goal difference is really good. It's a fantastic win for us.

"I thought right up until the penalty we were very good. I thought from the start of the game, the energy, the football, the speed was outstanding. We get two goals in front, then switch off, we lose our concentration, and then they get back in.

"We got going again in the second half, and then we miss the penalty and it knocks the energy out of our game. We had other chances, we didn't take them, and then of course when it's 2-1 at the end of a game then there's always that bit of tension."

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In-form midfielder Matt O'Riley missed a second-half penalty at Celtic Park, however put his side ahead after 35 minutes with a fine left-footed strike. John Lundstram forced the ball into his own net just two minutes later, with Cyriel Dessers pulling one back for Rangers ahead of half-time.

Lundstram was then shown a red card two minutes into first-half stoppage time, when referee Willie Collum relied on VAR to rescind an initial yellow in favour of a straight red, given Philippe Clement's men a mountain to climb in the second period.

It was Brendan Rodgers' side who triumphed in the end, though – something which the manager knows will have pleased Celtic supporters far and wide.

He added: "It's a brilliant day for Celtic supporters all around the world in bars and houses, they all understand Celtic and Rangers is all about winning, and the guys have won today and I'm really proud of them."