The idea that Celtic fans should secretly want Rangers to win in Europe is, frankly, nonsense.

With an article in RecordSport claiming “it would be good for Celtic to have Rangers occupied in Europe every week – and preferable in the big boys playground of the Champions League group stage.”

No one in the Hoops camp is losing sleep over what goes on in Athens or Ibrox. Brendan Rodgers isn’t sitting hoping Rangers cash in from UEFA.

Celtic’s focus is clear: succeed in Europe by winning games, not by hoping Rangers get busy or boost a ranking.

The suggestion that Rangers doing well would somehow help Celtic just doesn’t add up. Any money Rangers get from the Champions League only strengthens their domestic challenge.

This idea that Europe would wear them down ignores the clear benefits of getting there, more money, more confidence, more competition. Whether they can cope is their problem, not Celtic’s.

Celtic have always earned their place in Europe’s top tournament by doing the business themselves. They’ve not needed a helping hand from across the city. All this talk about the coefficient? It’s a sideshow. If others chip in, great, but Celtic aren’t banking on anyone else doing the heavy lifting.

And no, Brendan Rodgers and his players won’t be cheering on Ibrox. This rivalry isn’t about handshakes and goodwill. It’s about winning, something Celtic have done a lot more of lately.

You won’t hear “mon the Gers” in the East End. The focus is, and always will be, on Celtic.