Rodgers reveals how superspy John got so deep in Alashkert camp he got run on team bus

Any opportunity to inject some humour into the Champions League campaign has to be grasped as Celtic face their toughest- ever route to the groups. When the Hoops f irst reached the competition proper under Mar ti n O’Neill in 2001 they had one qualifier. Neil Lennon then faced two rounds during his spell. For the first two years of his reign Rodgers had to negotiate three rounds of qualifiers. Despite making it through bo th times the power - brokers at UEFA have now altered the s chedule again to hit Celtic with four qualifying rounds for the first time. It ’ s a tricky a ssignment as Rodgers nodded: “Absolutely but what can you do? “It’s way above our heads, we just have to deal with it. “I try not to overthink it. My only feeling is to get the players prepared as best I can, take care of the details and let’s get on with it. “There is clearly a hierarchy. I suppose it will be frustrating for countries good times and hammerings and takes a realistic stance on his competition aims.

He said: “Firstly, it’s to get there. Then it will always be the challenge of trying to get out of the group.

“The couple of seasons I’ve been involved we have been in with at least two teams who are quarter-finalists. But we have to take on that challenge.

“It’s a major test and we can’t cry about it.

“It’s the elite competition in club football so we all learn from it but, year on year, it gets more dif f icult with the financial gap.”

Compatriot Tommy Wright took his St Johnstone side to Yerevan three years ago and the Celtic boss will consider giving him a call if he feels he needs more insight.

Rodgers said: “I’ve never really done that before but if I think there’s something specific I will. If there’s a wee thing he can take care of.

“Everybody talks about the heat. It’s going to be later in the evening but it will still be hot.

“We just have to get through these games. Find no excuses and get the job done.”