Brendan Rodgers' zero tolerance Celtic policy leaves no room for non subscribers as Auston Trusty blasts clueless outsiders

The American insists those branding Rangers clash 'meaningless' are clearly on the outside looking in and just don't get it

Auston Trusty has slammed any suggestion there’s nothing at stake in Sunday's Old Firm showdown.

And the Celtic defender insists boss Brendan Rodgers won’t tolerate his squad taking the foot off the gas.

The Hoops head into the lunchtime derby clash with a whopping 16-point lead over their fierce rivals in the title race, with just nine games to go.

Celts – who are sweating on the fitness of skipper Callum McGregor – have one hand on the title. But Trusty has blasted anyone branding the encounter meaningless, saying: “Those people are not players or part of our organisation. We can’t have that mindset.

“The atmosphere and environment in and around this team doesn’t allow it. There’s no room for it whatsoever.

“We are taking this very seriously. There are plenty of reasons why it matters.

“This is the kind of game that attracts you as a player – it’s these kinds of matches that provide so much emotion, good and bad. These are the situations you want to be involved in.

“The mindset comes from the top. The manager drives it all and we follow his lead. We give everything for him.”

Celtic are looking to all but seal the championship – and gain revenge for the 3-0 Old Firm thumping at Ibrox over the festive period. Rangers have been wildly inconsistent this season with woeful displays in the league mixed with sensational performances in Europe.

Trusty insists Celtic will be on their guard for the derby and won’t take their rivals lightly. He said: “We won’t underestimate them.

“Out mindset is to treat every game like it’s a cup final. It doesn’t matter who we are playing against, whether it’s the Champions League, a domestic game or a big derby match.

“We don’t treat it any differently because all games are important.”

Celtic have had all week to prepare for the derby and Trusty knows exactly what is at stake when it comes to the Glasgow bragging rights wars.

He said: “The build-up has been good. We have played a lot of games but it has given us a chance to work on some things individually and as a team.

“You do get a feeling it’s a big week. Throughout the season we focus game by game but we know this week is an opportunity for us to show what we are about.

“We are ready for it. We know the significance of the match with the rivalry in the city. There are the games you want to be involved in and the atmospheres you want to be around.

“Growing up in Philadelphia I knew all about the atmosphere around this fixture. I don’t go out much. I go to training and live my life at home but when you do go out you do feel the excitement.”