Old Firm derby: Brendan Rodgers urges Celtic to take positive approach against Rangers

The sides meet at Celtic Park on Saturday for the first time in the league since Rangers began their post-liquidation journey in 2012

Rodgers' Celtic are in the 'Champions' section of the draw (Getty)

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has urged his players to maintain their attacking approach amid the tension of a hugely-anticipated derby against Rangers.

The sides meet at Celtic Park on Saturday for the first time in the league since Rangers began their post-liquidation journey in 2012.

Rodgers is a veteran of Old Firm games as a supporter but he knows being at the heart of Saturday's clash will be completely different.

He hopes his players can rise above the occasion and continue the approach that has seen them score 19 goals in five home matches this season.

Rodgers told Celtic TV: "It's games that I have watched, games that I have listened to all my life, so to actually be involved in pole position in the game is going to be exciting, especially being the first game at home.

"Every derby is different. I have been involved in a Swansea-Cardiff derby, which was very intense, I have been involved in the Liverpool-Everton derby, which were huge games, Liverpool-Manchester United were big games.

"But this game is unique in itself. It's a very historic game between Celtic and Rangers. And having supported and felt the emotion of them, they are always tense, sometimes they are not the best of games. No matter what you say to players, sometimes the whole intensity and occasion can make it difficult for football.

PA.