Brendan Rodgers insists he and Celtic are ready for the challenge of Kevin Muscat's Rangers.
The Australian is poised to become the new manager at Ibrox having agreed a deal despite being in the middle of a title race with Shanghai Port, who beat Qingdao Hainiu 4-3 today to keep that alive.
That means the 52-year-old is not expected to arrive in Glasgow until that is all wrapped up, with fixtures scheduled until November 22.
Rodgers has encountered Muscat on a couple of occasions during his Liverpool days and rates the work he has done with both Yokohama F Marinos and Port.
The Northern Irishman said: "I think every team that changes manager you accept and take on the challenge of the freshness that may bring.
"I don't know Kevin that well but I came across him a few times when I was at Liverpool. He came in to training when I was manager and spent time there. And we travelled across to Australia and met him and Ange.
"He has done a really good job at the teams he's been at in Asia and if he is to be the new manager coming in then it's another new challenge. For us, we'll be ready for it."
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Rodgers was also asked about Russell Martin, the man sacked from the other side of the city to create the vacancy Muscat will fill.
He expressed his sympathies and expects him to go on to have success in his career.
He added: "I think you're always disappointed when any manager loses his job. Russell being no different.
"There was a challenge he will learn from in his career. He has got many more years as a coach or manager. I've always said when you manage here at Celtic or Rangers, the pressure really is relentless and you find out things about yourself in this job. I'm sure he will have done that.
"I wish him all the best. He will probably have some time out and then look to go again and use this experience."
