Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Celtic have the edge over RBK
HARALD Brattbakk believes Celtic still have the edg e over Rosenborg despite the Hoops drawing a blank when his t wo former clubs met in the first leg of their Champions League qualifier at Parkhead.
The former striker joined the Hoops from the Norwegian outfit in 1997 and will be forever remembered in the east end of Glasgow for scoring in the 2-0 home win over St Johnstone the following season which helped clinch the Premiership title and deny Rangers 10-in-a-row.
Brattbakk i s naturally intrigued by the battle for a play-off spot which did not go to plan, as far as Celtic were concerned, on Wednesday night.
He admitted t hat t he Eliteserien leaders increased their chances of getting through the third qualifier but still leans towards Brendan Rodgers’ men for the second leg in Trondheim next week.
The former Norway international, these days a pilot, said: “Celtic can pull through but the task is a little bit more difficult than it was before the first game.
“I said before the game that having two games is in favour of Rosenborg because maybe they can pull a good result in Glasgow.
“Then again it is all about scoring goals and if you don’t then it is difficult to get through but my money would be on Celtic.
“If Rosenborg had lost by two goals or less I would have given them a shot of going through.
“Now, after the draw, their chances are bigger than ever.”