Mature Celtic please Rodgers

The Bhoys won 1-0 in Norway following last week’s goalless draw in Glasgow to progress to the Champions League play-off round.

James Forrest’s excellent second-half goal proved to be the only difference between two well-matched sides after three hours of football.

Rodgers, who will see who his side plays in the play-off round when the draw is made on Friday, said: “I was going into these games last year hoping we would get through.

“It’s a different mentality now. That comes from the belief from how they’ve worked and how they play.

“It was a big performance. Everybody was talking about the pressure of the game, to play that way was sensational. I’m delighted the way the players kept their nerve.”

There was some bad news for Rodgers though as Erik Sviatchenko ended the night on crutches after injuring his knee in a collision with Anders Konradsen.

“When the draw comes it’s going to be one of those anxious moments again at some point over the two legs,” Rodgers added.

“Whoever we get, it will be a tough game but my focus is now on Hearts [in the Premiership on Saturday].”

Celtic are available at 1/5 to beat Hearts while a 1-1 draw in the match can be backed at 12/1.

From: Soccerway.