Rangers boss Mark Warburton insists Old Firm battle won't ruin his friendship with Celtic counterpart Brendan Rodgers

The Northern Irishman succeeded Ronny Deila at Parkhead earlier this summer and will look to lead the Hoops to a sixth straight Premiership title next term.

After four seasons outside of the top flight, Rangers will provide a renewed challenge to the champions in the coming months as Warburton looks to clinch back-to-back league crowns.

Read more: Mark Warburton: Old Firm triumph was key to luring stars to Rangers this summer

The 53-year-old worked with Rodgers during his time at Watford and is confident the title battle in Glasgow won’t have an adverse effect on their relationship.

Warburton said: “Absolutely (the friendship will survive). That’s the nature of the game.

“We both realise that and if I have a problem with Brendan, he knows I’ll pick the phone up to him and speak to him.

Read more: Mark Warburton to continue Rangers contract talks with Ibrox board

“I know Brendan is more than professional enough to do exactly the same.

“We have that agreement already. Don’t read what’s in the papers sometimes and if there is a problem, there’s no doubt he’ll speak to me.

“It’s the same with me - I’d call him up and we’d deal with it in a very mature way, I’d hope.

“We are good friends but whatever happens, someone has to win and someone has to lose cups and leagues. Whatever happens, we’ll still be friends at the end of this process.”

While Warburton has had twelve months to settle into life in Glasgow following his move north of the border from Brentford, Rodgers will have to hit the ground running next season as he targets Premiership glory and a prolonged European campaign.

The Gers boss has brought Joey Barton and Clint Hill, 33 and 37 respectively, to Ibrox this summer to add experience to his Light Blues squad.

And the Englishman knows the Old Firm goldfish bowl can be a shock to the system for players and managers that head to Scottish football.

He said: “I think it will be [an eye-opener]. Speaking to them (Barton and Hill), they are both very experienced professionals, so they are going to say all the right things.

“I said to them ‘there is a media interest probably unlike most others’. I spoke to Brendan on holiday and we spoke about the same thing.

“Brendan has worked at the highest level, but he will find it very intense. But they are professionals, they will answer questions, they are professional, they are smart guys, so hopefully it will all go well.

“I know Brendan, we worked together at Watford. He was manager, I was academy manager and we got on very well.

“It was just a phone call, an introductory. I wished him well, he wished me well. I am sure we will share a glass of wine at some stage.”