MARK WARBURTON will relish the battle with friend Brendan Rodgers across the Old Firm divide next season.

The Northern Irishman is closing in on the managerial job at Celtic and will go head-to-head with his former colleague if he lands the top Parkhead post.

While Warburton has his sights set on Scottish Cup glory this weekend, it could be a significant few days on the other side of Glasgow as Celtic get set to make their move and name Ronny Deila’s successor.

Warburton worked closely with Rodgers during his time south of the border at Watford and has kept it touch with the 43-year-old through his stints in charge at Swansea and Liverpool.

Rodgers could now join Warburton in Glasgow and the Light Blues boss admits it would be an interesting proposition in the Premiership.

Warburton said: “I worked with him at Watford. I was the academy manager and he came in as manager. So I know Brendan fairly well.

“We have occasional chats. I know Brendan and Frank McParland worked closely with him at Liverpool so Frank knows him exceptionally well so there is obviously a connection there.

“Exciting? It would be interesting. Interesting.

“There’s going to be Old Firm game anyway so they will be exciting there is no doubt about that. Brendan has worked at the highest level.

“[He is] very organised. Very meticulous. Very knowledgeable. A good man-manager. He’s worked at the highest level and almost won the Premier League.

“A good background, coming through the youths with the Chelsea academy and then through Watford and Reading and Swansea and obviously Liverpool. Very experienced.

“I am sure he will be a big asset for whatever club he joins.”

The arrival of Rodgers would add another layer of intrigue to a campaign that was already eagerly anticipated after Rangers clinched their Premiership return.

Warburton is targeting a host of new arrivals to ensure his side are ready to mount a challenge for the top flight crown at the first time of asking next term.

It will be a summer of change across the city as well as Celtic prepare to defend their title amid a renewed challenge from their Old Firm rivals.

But Warburton will remain focused on the job in hand and not have a glance towards Parkhead to check on the progress the new Hoops boss is making this summer.

He said: “Not at all, you welcome it. Relish it. You want to work against various managers.

“We are a good club we are in good shape and we’re looking forward to next season.

“Whoever we face will be a tough opponent. Brendan brings a wealth of experience having worked at the highest level. I think he would be a great opponent.

“I think it raises the profile of the Scottish game which could only be good and brings another level of excitement and interest to the fixtures.

“[What Celtic do is] none of my business at all. I won’t bother for one second. I’m not being rude to Celtic in any way but I’m not going to have any control over what Celtic do.

“I’m not going to make a comment which changes their recruitment policy or their staffing policy. Our only focus will be Rangers.

“We’ve started a lot of work and that’s my only focus. Hibs will be the same, Falkirk will be the same, all the clubs will be the same.”