Ingebrigtsen says fitness is key for Norwegians
Manager Kare Ingebrigtsen believes Rosenborg’s fitness levels will be key in their Champions League third round qualifier against Celtic.
The Norwegian outfit are top of the Eliteserien after 17 matches – losing twice – while Celtic have yet to start the defence of their domestic title and have played just two qualifiers against Northern Irish part-timers Linfield, whom they thrashed 6-0 on aggregate.
Ingebrigtsen, whose side required extra-time to see off Dundalk from the Republic of Ireland in the previous qualifier, believes the Scottish champions are favourites to go through into the play-off but is hoping the difference in match practice proves crucial.
Speaking at Celtic Park ahead of the first leg, the former Manchester City midfielder, said: “For us it is good that the season hasn’t started yet in Scotland.
“We have played 17 games and we have improved throughout the season and hopefully we are at our best tomorrow.
“History shows that it is an advantage for Rosenborg to be halfway through the season and all the opponents we meet – except Dundalk – struggle because it is really early in the season for them.
“Hopefully Celtic aren’t at their sharpest. But we can’t just defend, we have to create problems. The away goal is really important to us so we are coming here to score a goal.”
Celtic will be without banned striker Leigh Griffiths while Moussa Dembele is a doubt with a hamstring injury.
The possibility of Rodgers being without his two central strikers gives Ingebrigtsen encouragement.
He said: “Both those players scored over 20 goals last year and of course they will miss them. Hopefully they don’t play.”