Pride, but frustration for Rodgers

Boss Brendan Rodgers’ “immense pride” at qualifying for the Europa League was tempered by Celtic’s 1-0 Champions League defeat by Anderlecht last night.

The Hoops’ 3-0 win in Brussels meant that Anderlecht had to equal or better that result in the final Group B game to leapfrog the Scots into third place.

Celtic were out of sorts in the first half and, despite improvements, a 62nd-minute own goal by defender Jozo Simunovic ensured a third home group loss.

Rodgers (pictured) said: “The context of the game affected the performance in the first half, with them having to chase the game. We couldn’t keep the ball.

“Midway through the first half, we had to change tactically and I was thankful to be in 0-0 at half-time.

“Second half, we were better – we were able to stem the flow and be a threat.

“They were better than us (last night), but our aim was to get through to Europa League and come third in the group. That would be a massive achievement and we did that.

“There is immense pride, but it is hard to feel that when you have lost.

“But we are through and we can look forward to it when it comes round in February.”

The former Liverpool boss moved to dampen down expectations regarding the Europa League.

He said: “There are going to be much better teams than us, we have to be clear on that.”