It’s first versus third at Celtic Park this Wednesday night as the Hoops play host to St Mirren in an important league game (KO: 7.45pm).

Brendan Rodgers side, who are five points clear at the top of the Premiership table, will be looking to continue their strong start to the campaign as well as return to winning ways following the 0-0 draw against Hibernian at the weekend.

And the Celtic manager knows that his side face a tough test in the shape of a St Mirren side who have started the season well, beating St Johnstone 4-0 at the weekend to maintain their position near the top of the table.

Speaking ahead of the game, Brendan Rodgers said: “Stephen’s team are very well-organised and he always produces really competitive teams.

'They had a good result at the weekend, but we’re at home and we love to play at home, and we’ll get ready for this one.'

“I think he’s proven himself to be an excellent manager and coach. Obviously when I was up here the first time he did a very good job at Motherwell, getting them to two finals, which was a fantastic achievement, and his teams were always hard to play against.

“And you look now, coming in to St Mirren, it’s the same idea – he’s got them very well-organised, they work very hard and they’re very much a team, and they’re always very competitive.

“So I think he’s an excellent manager who’s done really well and I look forward to seeing him on Wednesday and we will also expect a tough match.”

The Hoops boss also confirmed that Reo Hatate is set to be out of action until after Christmas after he picked up an injury early in the UEFA Champions League match against Atletico Madrid last week.

“It’s a disappointment for Reo,” said the manager. “He’s had a bit of a broken start to this season and this will take him over the halfway point of the league, so it is very frustrating for him, especially someone who really commits himself to his game and his professionalism.

“He’s in a great place for support from the coaches, the manager to the medical team – the whole staff here will support him like we do all the players, and hopefully we can get him back sooner rather than later.

WATCH BRENDAN RODGERS’ FULL PRESS CONFERENCE BELOW:

Opportunities ahead for players
Exciting run of games ahead
Thoughts on Stephen Robinson and St Mirren
On the start to the season and praise for the players

Brendan Rodgers: We're looking forward to home clash against St Mirren