Rodgers insists Celtic character can win through

BRENDAN Rodgers reckons his nerveless Celtic side are ready to show Astana just how much they have matured since last year’s Champions League clashes.

The Hoops edged out the Kazakhs 12 months ago as they successfully battled through to the group stages.

Leigh Griffiths’ brace and a late Moussa Dembele penalty eventually saw Celtic through 3-2 on aggregate as they set-up six glamour games against Barcelona, Manchester City and Borussia Monchengladbach.

Now they will face off again in their final play-off tie as another slot among the biggest clubs in Europe and a potential £30 million windfall goes up for grabs.

Rodgers needs little reminding of what is at stake for his club but believes his players have developed the broad shoulders they will require to march on.

“If you think too much of the consequence you may not sleep,” he said.

“But the only way you can get through it is by staying really focused, staying in the present and on what you have to do.

“What the players have built up is this ability to handle pressure and an ability, emotionally, how to deal with the big games.

“I can remember at this stage last season, in the second game with Astana, there was all this emotion around it. I think it’s to the huge credit of the players how they have come through that.

“We’re a more mature group as a result.

“In particular the last game in Rosenborg, there was a l ot of pressure and a lot of focus on the boys but they came through it and they stayed calm and composed.”

Harvey Dailly made his debut.