The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Rodgers praises ‘amazing effort’
Hoops survive scare in Israel to progress to Champions League group stage
Brendan Rodgers suffered “probably the longest 90 minutes” of his managerial career as Celtic survived a scare against Hapoel Be’er Sheva to reach the Champions League group stage for the first time in three years with a 5-4 aggregate victory.
The Hoops were heavy favourites to see out the play-off second leg after their 5-2 victory at Parkhead last week but were on the ropes from the early stages at the Turner Stadium and ended up losing 2-0 on the night.
Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon saved a penalty in the 15th minute from Maharan Radi, but the relief was only temporary as substitute Ben Sahar soon headed the Israeli champions ahead.
The visitors conceded a second goal in the 48th minute when a mix-up between Saidy Janko and Gordon allowed Romanian international Ovidiu Hoban the easiest of chances to make it 2-0, but the Scottish champions held on.
Celtic boss Rodgers said: “It was probably the longest 90 minutes I have faced as a coach, and I think with past experiences that players have had, sometimes they know how it can map out.
“I thought Hapoel Be’er Sheva were outstanding. They had to force the game, of course. They had nothing to lose, but they played very well.
“But I have to congratulate my players, because all the work we have been doing has been based around that mentality and quality of game.
“This match was purely about resilience and persistence and it was an amazing effort by the players on the back of everything they have been through before.”
Rodgers believes his players took “a huge step and got their rewards” and will be all the better for coming through such a nervy and fraught experience.
He said: “Tonight they added an extra percent to their mentality.
“I think deep down that maybe they didn’t think they could achieve because of the short period of time we have been working with them. I think they coped really well but you could never switch off until the final whistle goes.
“It is incredible moment for the supporters, they are going to be back in amongst Europe’s elite and it is where Celtic belong.”
Hoops captain Scott Brown feels they deserve their place in the group stages after a “gutsy” display in Israel.
Brown told BT Sport: “We made it tough for ourselves but this big man (Gordon) saved our day once again, an outstanding performance from start to finish and a penalty save as well. The way he has been playing recently is outstanding.
“We managed to dig deep and it was a gutsy performance.
“It’s been a couple of years since we have been in the Champions League but we deserve our place.”
Gordon felt there was little he could do about the second goal.
“I didn’t even see Saidy coming,” he said. “I shouted to Kolo (Toure) to let it run and Saidy has come in on my blind side and crashed into me. These things happen but we managed to see the game out.”
It’s been a couple of years since we have been in the Champions League but we deserve our place. SCOTT BROWN