HEALY: ALL OF MY PLAYERS STOOD TALL

DAVID HEALY has revealed Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers praised Linfield’s display following last night’s Champions League showdown at Windsor Park.

The Hoops, who sealed an unbeaten domestic treble in Scotland last season, won 2-0 with first-half goals from Scott Sinclair and Tom Rogic.

But Healy (left) insists he’ll pocket positives from his team’s display ahead of next week’s return leg in Glasgow.

He said: “Brendan said ‘well done’. I thought we were excellent and our attitude was exceptional.

“They cut us open but didn’t score as many as they hoped.

“The way Celtic played was exceptional early on. It was total football and easy on the eye. They are a good side and can hurt you.”

On conceding twice from Leigh Griffiths’ corners – the second from a well worked front post run by Rogic - Healy admitted: “We switched off and were punished.

“The two set-plays were really disappointing, especially the second one because we actually want through that in training and were going to try it ourselves.

“I was fearful at half-time, but we got in and regrouped. Celtic are always going to create with the players they have, but Roy Carroll was outstanding.”

Looking forward to

Wednesday’s return leg at Parkhead, Healy – a former Rangers striker - said: “I can’t wait. I’m sure the atmosphere will be the same. I’ll probably need a tin hat and an armoured suit, but that’s why you’re the manager of a great club like Linfield.”