THE ZEN MASTERS

Rodgers: We had a near perfect game in first leg... we need the same again

BRENDAN RODGERS last night insisted peak Celtic can be a match for anyone in the Europa League.

The Parkhead outfit go gunning for a spot in the last 16 of the competition tonight when they face Zenit St Petersburg in Russia.

Rodgers (right) cited his team are underdogs ahead of the two-legged tie against Roberto Mancini’s men.

However, a terrific performance in the first leg seven days ago has given the Scottish champions an advantage to take into the crunch in the 67,000 sold-out Krestovsy

Stadium.

And that powerpacked Parkhead display has also convinced Rodgers his team could go toe-to-toe with any of the sides left in the competition if they hit those same heights.

He said: “If we can play at the level we played in the first game, we can be a match for any team.

“Of course, there will always be an expectancy on the other team because of their standing and probably the quality that they have. “We were near-on perfect in the first game. I’m hoping if we play to that level again over here, then we’ve got a great opportunity to go through.

“We played very well, we were very concentrated. When we do that, we can match a lot of teams.

“In a lot of the away games in Europe, if you take out the real superpowers that we’ve faced, then we’ve generally played pretty well.

“It’s important that you stay calm. No matter how it goes, we are always going to be in the game. “When the group are together and focused, we are playing well. It gives us a great chance, but we respect it’s a tough game.”

Rodgers insists he will stay positive against the hosts.

Celtic will have to be concentrated defensively and a clean-sheet would see them through, but the manager isn’t planning a rearguard action.

Rodgers said: “We want to score. Our idea is to go and win the game.

“If we can’t win it, okay, try not to lose it. That’s key. We believe we can score and that’s what we want to do.

“It’s important that we keep our concentration.

Celtic haven’t lost in their last three visits to Russia and, if they can get through, it’ll be a first post-christmas aggregate win in a season in Europe since 2004.

Rodgers said: “I see the team grow and develop and improve. If we can make that next step here, then that will be absolutely brilliant for us and we can go on and focus on a last 16 tie.”