Join thousands of fans who have signed up to our Celtic newsletter. Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

DELIGHTED Celtic captain Scott Brown fired back at Rangers midfielder Joey Barton and claimed the first derby match of the season was men against boys.

The Hoops captain was buoyant after the 5-1 drubbing at Celtic Park and reckons there is no doubts on which team is the dominant force in Scottish football.

Brown told Sky Sports: "Easy, yeah it was fine, there was no battle whatsoever.

"I think the scoreline talks for itself, it was pretty much men against boys at the end of the day."

When quizzed about what Brown had to say to Barton when they spoke at 2-0, the Hoops skipper said: "I was just making sure he was all right."

Brown believes his side are a much better team than they have been in recent years.

He added: "We're pushing on now, we're fitter and sharper than we've been in recent seasons.

"We come here and win, week in, week out and we're trying to make this place a fortress."

Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers was delighted with the way his side played coming off a hectic international fixture list.

He said: "The boys travelled as a squad over 60,00 miles and I think there was only about two players from Rangers who were away.

"To play at that level and be that clinical was a joy to see."

Watch Barton receive a hostile reception as he makes his way into the ground

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

Watch Celtic v Rangers picture highlights