Celtic midfielder Luke McCowan on Thursday admitted he was not expecting a guard of honour at Ibrox, adding: “I don’t know how it would be if it was on the other foot and I don’t think we’ll ever know”.

His manager points out that “it’s not in the rules” that you have to give one.

“I think that, when two clubs in the rivalry are so emotional, it’s always difficult for the team that comes up short,” Rodgers said. “I’m relaxed either way on it.”

Despite that and while admitting he is “a little bit of a traditionalist”, he laments the loss of “traditions of the great managers” the country has had.

“I always think, if you’re a champion to show, or not a champion, showing that humility to the other team, whatever the rivalry is, it’s a mark of respect,” he said.

“But, like I said, Celtic-Rangers, it’s an emotional rivalry and, if you’re up short and if you come up short quite a lot, then it can be a challenge for you and to justify that with your supporters.”