LUCKY BHOYS
Relieved Rodgers hails his men for making it through
BRENDAN RoDgERs praised his Celtic side for reaching the last 32 of the Europa League last night before admitting he had feared the worst.
In need of a point against RB salzburg to reach the knockout stage, scotland’s champions were 2-0 down and heading for the exit until a late Rosenborg equaliser in Leipzig secured second place in group B.
olivier Ntcham’s stoppage-time goal, a rebound from his own saved penalty, put a late gloss on a night when the Parkhead men were
outplayed by the Austrian champions. Admitting his players underperformed, Rodgers believed the end was nigh when home fans started streaming for the exits before events took a turn in Germany. Asked when he realised Celtic had made it through, the manager admitted: ‘Not until I heard the noise then a couple of guys on the bench said that Rosenborg had scored. ‘That was a great achievement by them, but it also demonstrates the quality and difficulty of the group — that Rosenborg can go away and get a result like that in Leipzig. ‘We knew by the end that the score in Germany had finished 1-1, so it was mixed feelings. ‘I could see the punters walking out. When you see them walking out, it’s normally a sign that they think it is over. ‘The best team won tonight. Salzburg were very good, dynamic and sharp. They have some really good players. ‘We didn’t play well but what we have shown over the course of the six games is that we can play well. We’ve played well in enough of the games to get the points in what was a very tough group. ‘I’m so happy for the players after playing in so many games to get that reward at the end of it is a great achievement.’ Sealing a place in the last 32 for a second straight year, Celtic made a slice of history by pipping a club from one of the big five leagues for the first time in 15 group campaigns. ‘We are trying to represent Scottish football in the best way and that’s difficult when you look at the investments in the major leagues,’ continued Rodgers. ‘So this is something the players can be proud of. ‘Everyone looked at the group and thought if we could get through it would be a brilliant achievement. ‘So for us to come out on top against a high ranking team from one of the top European leagues is another big step in the progress of our players. ‘Year on year, they are getting better and to qualify for the last 32 is a brilliant achievement.’ Injuries to Mikael Lustig and Ryan Christie spoiled the night for Rodgers, with the in-form Scotland midfielder facing tests and a lengthy lay-off after leaving the field on a stretcher. ‘Obviously I’ve been doing interviews and stuff but he is on crutches and it looked a sore one but I don’t know the details,’ said Rodgers. Hopeful of strengthening his squad next month before returning to the European fray, Rodgers added: ‘I hope we’ll be stronger. We are a squad that needs all our best players available. ‘There’s also a window to go through in January, so I would hope when the draw is made we’ll be fresher and stronger because I thought we looked a tad leggy at times this evening. ‘The question is: Can we go one step further again? We made the last 32 last time, so can we then take another step forward? That would be the idea.’