Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
CELTIC v ROSENBORG MOUSSA IS A MISS BUT WE WILL COPE
Rodgers is happy with his firepower
BRENDAN RODGERS insists Celtic still have the firepower to blast past Rosenborg despite the bitter blow of losing Moussa Dembele.
The Hoops hitman has been ruled out of both legs of the Champions League second round qualifier against the Norwegians after suffering a hamstring strain in last week’s win against Alashkert.
The French ace is facing up to three weeks out and has added to Rodgers’ woes with Jozo Simunovic suspended and Dedryck Boyata and Mikael Lustig not match ready after their World Cup exploits.
Striker Leigh Griffiths is back in training but still at least three weeks away from being fit leaving the Parkhead men with only £9million man Odsonne Edouard as their only fit forward.
Rodgers is refusing to grumble though after being struck down by his Champions League jinx yet again.
He said: “It is difficult and it is a challenge.
“You have three strikers and then you have one striker.
“You have a number of centre-halves and then you only have a few and you get one suspended. “So it is always going to be a challenge but we went to Norway with no strikers last year and nearly had to do it this week again. Edouard had a swollen knee after the game and didn’t train until yesterday. Part of the challenge is to find a way.
“Last year Tom Rogic and James Forrest (inset) played up front.
“You know you are not going to be perfect at this stage of the season but the players are adaptable.
“We will put out a team that can be really competitive.”
Rodgers pointed to landing high-intensity qualifiers so early in pre-season a factor in the annual raft of injuries.
He said: “There’s a pressure playing up here and players are coming back quickly in to this level of games.
“It’s a real challenge for them.
“They are at the best fitness level for this stage in my time here. I can’t ask any more of them.
“Sometimes it is just unfortunate.”
Rodgers admitted he is still pursuing signings, with the bid to land John Mcginn ongoing after Hibs knocked back a third offer of around £2million.
He also slapped a not for sale sign on Boyata amid interest from Lyon, Lazio and Fulham.
The Belgium star is due to return to training on Monday and immediately start contract talks as he moves in to the last 12 months of his current deal.
But Rodgers said: “I’m not sure there’s an offer that would make us even think about it because of the stage of the season we’re at.”