Brendan Rodgers has issued a firm demands message to his Celtic squad ahead of the crucial Scottish Premiership fixture against Rangers.

The Parkhead club leads the league table by three points over their Glasgow rivals ahead of the derby clash this weekend.

A win against Rangers would see the lead extend to six points with just two matches remaining.

Rodgers has demanded his players don't let the opportunity to seize the league title slip away as he was quizzed on the tireless pressing in the 3-0 win over Hearts.

For Rodgers, the determination shown by his players isn't a choice but is "an obligation" at Celtic.

READ MORE: Liam Scales hails Brendan Rodgers' ability to lower pressure

The manager told Celtic TV: "It is [pleasing to see], but it’s not a choice, it’s an obligation. It’s what you have to do.

"We are a running team and when we run and penetrate, press and counter-press, that’s our game. When we take the game to that level then we play the game to a good level.

"That was the pleasing aspect, that defensive pressure. We’re playing against a good Hearts team that has done very well in the league this season.

"They like to build the game and Steven (Naismith) has coached them well to build through the pitch and prepare the team and they have some dangerous players. I felt especially after that first 10-15 minutes or so we got our pressing right and the team was compact and tight.

"Everyone collectively was synchronised and moving together with and without the ball. That culminates in a good performance."