BRENDAN RODGERS has revealed he held a meeting with his players to set their minds at rest over his future, stating that he has never said he was going to quit as Celtic manager.

As his side gear up for the second-leg of their crucial Champions League qualifier against AEK Athens in Greece this evening, Rodgers has felt it necessary to address speculation over his future after he criticised the club’s board last week for their failure to strengthen the playing squad this summer.

But although he reiterated his desire to bring in players during this transfer window, he has denied any suggestion that he has given the club an ultimatum over his future as boss.

“I spoke to the players just to stabilise them a little bit,” Rodgers said. “I think that despite the noise it’s important that the players understand the real story.

“There was never once that I said that I was quitting Celtic. And there was never once that I said that Id given an ultimatum to the board. It was never once said. What I said was we wanted the squad to be stronger.

“So collectively, in terms of spirit, we’re fine. It’s just something that happens at this stage of the season of course.

“Like I say, we know we want to strengthen the squad. The bar we have set over the past couple of years – we want to continue that improvement.

“Stability is always important especially for football players. Every now and again, as a coach and a manager [you do it].

“It’s always important to stabilise the emotions of players. I’ve done that a number of times and, like I say, what is said at Celtic will always stay within.

“So, it’s nothing major. Just a stabilising effect that ensures we continue on the same direction.”

Rodgers believes that tonight's match represents Celtic’s biggest test in Champions League qualification during his tenure with the score poised at 1-1, and he believes his players are ready to do whatever it takes to make the play-off stage.

"I think arguably at this stage this is the biggest challenge,” he said.

“As a footballer, this is the type of game that you relish. One where you really have to show your face, show your true qualities and come out and fight. That’s something we are determined to do.

“They have shown it often enough. There have been lots of times over my course of time at Celtic where questions have been asked of the team. Our job is to always find a solution and we’re excited about the challenge.

“We have to go out and fight like hell. We have to run harder, and then show our quality. That’s something that we’ve done numerous times and we’ll need to do it here again.”

Meanwhile, Celtic captain Scott Brown and Hearts attacker Steven Naismith will face no punishment from the SFA compliance officer for incidents in the weekend match between the sides.