LIMITLESS

Rodgers says Hoops have to believe they can go all way to Euro glory

BRENDAN RODGERS has refused to set any limits on how far Celtic’s Europa League adventure might carry them as they prepare for a last 32 crack at Valencia tonight.

Rodgers and his players face the Spaniards at Parkhead tonight in the first leg of mouth-watering double header on the back of a blistering start to 2019 which has seen Scotland’s champions rattle off seven straight wins.

And, with confidence levels soaring, the manager has told his team that anything might be possible as they attempt to secure a place in the last 16.

Asked last night if it might be possible for Celtic to go all the way in the competition Rodgers said: “You always have to believe you can.

“I think if you look at the teams in it, there’s a real array of top teams.

“The competition gets stronger each year because now there is a real onus on it where you can quality for the Champions League. Because of that there is a real hunger there for teams to do well in it. But you always have to go in and do the very best you possibly can, that’s the idea. And that’s what we’ll always believe.

“I haven’t given any thought to what would constitute success this season. I think we have done really well coming out the group stage and now we are in against a good side.

“I would hate to say getting past Valencia is a measure of success because then you have another round.

“Why can’t you look to go further? You always have to believe that you can win every game you play.

“When the campaign finishes, whenever that is, then you can assess it and look at it. But I wouldn’t like to sit now and say what success is.”

Rodgers will still be without key men Kieran Tierney and Olivier Ntcham for tonight’s tie although both could be back in contention for next week’s return at the Mestalla.

But, regardless, the manager believes Celtic are now hitting top form as the season enters a crucial period.

He went on: “What we’ve shown over the last few seasons is that we have gradually always got better in the competitions.

“You can look back at some of the games we did well in and others not so.

“But we have a renewed motivation and energy in the team, which we needed, and the players are playing with confidence.

“It makes for a really brilliant game against a really good team.

“I’m excited about seeing us at this level against a team of Valencia’s quality.”