Rodgers so proud of big progress
Brendan Rodgers suffered “probably the longest 90 minutes” of his managerial career as Celtic survived a scare against Hapoel Be’er Sheva to reach the Champions League group stage for the first time in three years with a 5-4 aggregate.
The Hoops were heavy favourites to see out the play-off second leg after their 5-2 first-leg win, but were on the ropes from the early stages in Israel.
Ex-Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon saved a 15th-minute Maharan Radi penalty, but the relief was only temporary as sub Ben Sahar soon headed the Israeli champions ahead on the night.
The visitors conceded a second goal in the 48th minute, when a mix-up between right-back Saidy Janko and Gordon allowed Romanian Ovidiu Hoban the easiest of chances to make it 2-0, but the Scottish champions held on.
Celtic boss Rodgers, who declared himself “immensely proud”, said: “It was probably the longest 90 minutes I have faced as a coach, and I think, with past experiences that players have had, sometimes they know how it can map out.
“Hapoel Be’er Sheva were outstanding. They had to force the game, of course. They had nothing to lose, but they played very well.
“But I have to congratulate my players, because all the work we have been doing has been based around that mentality and quality of game.
“We know we can’t always play well. A lot of games we have played well.
“But (this match) was purely about resilience and persistence and it was an amazing effort by the players on the back of everything they have been through before.
“So huge applause to them and I delighted they get their rewards after a long pre-season.”