Kings of castle or stuck in European basement?

Humbled by Barca but manager Rodgers determined Celtic can bridge class divide against City

Brendan Rodgers is under no illusions about the task his Celtic side face when Manchester City visit Parkhead tonight.

The Hoops were thrashed 7-0 by Barcelona in their Champions League Group C opener in the Nou Camp and match day two brings Pep Guardiola’s in-form side who have won its first 10 games in all competitions this season.

Rodgers, who confirmed Craig Gordon would take over in goal from Dorus de Vries who is still not fit after having to go off at half-time in the 6-1 win against Kilmarnock on Saturday, is excited about taking on the Premier League leaders.

He knows the work needed from his players.

“It is really exciting,” said the former Swansea and Liverpool manager.

“But Man City are a top team, everyone can see that.

“They have that worldclass ability, great individuals who are working hard. We know we have to bring our A game to have any chance and that is something hopefully we can do.

“The reality is if they bring their A game and we bring ours, they win.

“But we know we have to make it as uncomfortable as we can for them.

“As a coach and players these are the types of occasions and games to look forward to and we are.

“We have respect for their qualities, but we have to ensure we are super-committed in our way of working and we know we have players who can give them a problem.

“I have watched them in the last four or five seasons and they have always had an outstanding group of players, winning leagues and cups.

“But the level of play has gone up since Pep has come in.

“The intensity has gone up and they are a team working with one idea and they are a hard team to contain.

“We know it is going to be a difficult night but we know it is going to be a difficult night for them.”

Rodgers is hoping Raheem Sterling, who has rediscovered his form since Guardiola arrived in the summer, has an off night.

The Northern Irishman gave the midfielder his debut at Liverpool at the age of 17 and Sterling went on to move to City in 2015 for £49million.

“I have been so proud to watch him this season and the level he has been at,” said Rodgers.

“I am absolutely delighted for him.

“He was great to work with.

I think back to the time he was a young kid at Liverpool and to see him grow from that 17-yearold who made his first start, funny enough, against Manchester City at Anfield, not only as a player but as a person over three seasons.

“It was difficult the first season he left, it always is when you have so much expectation on you. But he has really shown that with a focus, a way of working and a way of playing, he is a top-class player.

“For a season or so he drifted, maybe not so much to do with him.

“He needs to be in a clear structure, a clear way of playing and working and when he is, then he is one of the world’s leading young talents who is super-fast, dynamic, great in one versus one and very strong.

“I always look out for players that I have worked with and hope they do well, none more so than him because he was absolutely brilliant for me.

“So I am looking forward to seeing him – hopefully he doesn’t play so well – but he is in great form.”

Asked how he could be stopped, Rodgers replied: “You can’t kick him that’s for sure, because he is very strong, one of the strongest young guys you will come across, although he maybe doesn’t look it.”

Rodgers explained why Gordon was given the nod in goal.

He said: “I pick the team to come in and play and Dorus isn’t 100%. He trained yesterday and trained today.

“He is still a bit sore but he is fine.

“There is no need to take any risk in a game like this when I have an outstanding goalkeeper beside him so Craig will play.”

“The reality is if they bring their A game and we bring ours, they win”

BIG NIGHT: Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers takes training at Lennoxtown prior to