RODGERS RELIEF AFTER CELTIC WOBBLE
BRENDAN RODGERS has set his sights on European football after Christmas after Celtic survived a torrid test of nerve in Kazakhstan to qualify for the Champions League. The Scottish champions lost their first game in all competitions since a 2-0 defeat by Barcelona in Glasgow on November 23, but sealed an 8-4 aggregate win as late goals from Olivier Ntcham and Leigh Griffiths eased the tension. Up 5-0 from the first leg, Celtic were 4-1 down with 20 minutes left as Astana placed a makeshift, ropey rearguard under siege. After his side sealed their spot in tomorrow’s Champions League group stage draw, a relieved Rodgers said: ‘The first thing was to qualify. It’s a big achievement with the route that we have to take. ‘What we would like to do is try to progress this year and be in European football after Christmas,’ he added.