The Hoops boss is looking forward to going up against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City side in a glamour pre-season tie against the English Premier League champions after a convincing 4-0 win over DC United in Washington DC on Sunday, which came courtesy of a double from Matt O’Riley and strikes by Mikey Johnston and James Forrest.

However, connecting with the supporters stateside is also a huge part of Celtic deciding to make the trip across the Atlantic.

“Celtic is a worldwide institution,” Brendan Rodgers said. “There are so many Irish American people out here and Celtic supporters in general in America, so to get that opportunity to meet the supporters is just as important for us.

“I was here as a young coach when I was developing. The tactical level of the players and understanding of the game, the level of the coaching, they work so hard at the game and they have so much passion for the sport.

“I think that work ethic then spreads to the players and we’ve seen so many fantastic players from the USA.

“So it’s not a surprise with the sporting excellence in so many sports that it will spread to football and it will continue to grow and evolve.”

BATTLE OF THE CHAMPIONS

Celtic's game against Manchester City is LIVE & EXCLUSIVE on Celtic TV, with coverage starting from 12.15am on Wednesday, July 24 (Celtic Park time) ahead of a 12.30am kick-off in Kenan Stadium, Chapel Hill.

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