Celtic face Hearts, Rangers, Kilmarnock and St Mirren over the next few weeks for the chance to lift the Scottish Premiership for the third consecutive season.

Three of those four matches are at home, Celtic Park, giving the Bhoys a big advantage in the race for the title – already three points ahead of the second-placed Ibrox side.

Yet, with these outings at home comes added pressure. We all know it can be difficult for the team to perform when tension creeps into the stands. Fantastic support yes, but nervousness at this time of year is natural.

Brendan Rodgers knows this and he’s called on Celtic fans to remain patient with the team during these high-stakes matches.

Brendan Rodgers on the Celtic support’s importance

Speaking in a media conference on Friday, Rodgers said [Celtic FC]: “They play a huge part. I think that has been the difference over the last few months – how everything has been connected.

“Because they, along with ourselves and the staff are a connection to the team and an extension of what we see on the field. That support they give to the team is unrivalled when everyone’s onside and there with us. To have that in three of the last four games at home will be special.

“But also, we’ll need that patience as well because teams aren’t going to turn up and roll over – we have to be patient in the stands as well as on the field.

“We’ll be looking to play our game at the right speed and tempo and causing difficult moments for the opposition. To play at home on the pitch with the crowd, hopefully, we can take that advantage with us.”

Title wins take guts from all

Celtic fans must hold their nerve in this period. Yes, the title race is probably closer than any of us would have been comfortable with when Rangers had an early-season collapse and said goodbye to Michael Beale.

But this is the situation we’re in and the team have undoubtedly worked hard to get themselves to the brink of more major honours. Unity will help see the Bhoys through not just against Hearts but Rangers and St Mirren, too, if needed.

Stay with the team and the spoils of victory are more likely, even if it’s 0-0 or 0-1 to opponents on the hour mark. Strap in for a dramatic month.

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