EMASTETR THE WORLD
From Back Page and everyone will expect us to lose.
“But, for our players, our own cause is different.
“These are the games where you get the chance to write your story that can be heard worldwide.
“We fought so hard to get into the competition so we can go on and make progress. Home games can be very important.
“We are facing a huge opponent but we are excited by it. We won’t be overawed.
“It’s brilliant, it will be a really exciting night. With the level of player PSG have, it leaves a big focus on some of their outstanding individuals and it’s great to be involved in it.
“Maybe not many people were watching the Hamilton game last Friday night but the eyes of the world will be on this one and it should be a great spectacle.
“In these types of games, attitude is everything. You can’t look too closely at them or think too emotionally.
“PSG are put together to win this competition.
“They’ve brought in Neymar and Kylian Mbappe so their focus is clearly on winning it. But we have a courage to play and a courage physically to press and work.”
Celtic, who haven’t won an opening group-stage fixture in nine previous attempts, are desperate to make a positive impression in this season’s competition and Rodgers is aiming for continental involvement beyond Christmas.
But the manager has outlined the realities of a test which sees them in a section alongside the French giants, German superstars Bayern Munich and Belgian champions Anderlecht.
Rodgers said: “It’s not just Playstation. It’s top players we are playing. There has to be a sense of reality.
“We talk about making a mark on the group with PSG, Bayern Munich and Anderlecht.
“You can’t get carried away and try to pretend we are something we are not.
“We are a club playing in a country where we have to fight our way through, we have a budget where one of their players would get paid more.
“That’s the reality so I don’t think anyone would say we were insignificant if we didn’t come out the group stages. But for our own performance level and for the nation, we are trying to gain credibility.”
Rodgers confirmed Leigh Griffiths will play while fellow striker Moussa Dembele is ruled out.
Kid defender Anthony Ralston is also being considered for a position in the backline as the boss said: “He could be an option. For any of our young players it’s a great opportunity.”