After watching Celtic’s 1-1 draw away to Astana Chris Sutton has saluted Brendan Rodgers’ defensive miracle.
The performance in Kazakhstan wasn’t flawless but in the circumstances it was more than good enough to swing the tie in Celtic’s favour.
Sutton suffered through two Europa League campaigns under Ronny Deila and struggled to contain his anger as Celtic repeatedly fell apart on foreign shores.
Wednesday’s display in Astana was markedly different from the performances under Deila with Sutton quick to highlight the turnaround.
“The performance with a makeshift back line was something to be proud of,” he told the Daily Record.
“I have absolutely no doubt whatsoever that this team would have folded under Ronny Deila last season.
“Remember Legia Warsaw, Maribor Malmo, Fenerbahce, the list goes on and on.
“We know the failures of the past and Deila’s inability to change his team’s way of playing or deal with a crisis but under Rodgers we are already seeing a manager who understood he had to make changes when his side was under the cosh.
“That is encouraging for everyone at Celtic.”
First impressions matter with the midweek draw in Astana contrasting sharply with Deila’s equivalent fixture- a 4-1 defeat from Legia Warsaw who managed to miss two penalties.
Sutton was clearly impressed by the way Celtic performed against Astana but is wise enough to know that the tie is far from over.
“It’s clear Celtic now have a positive and knowledgable manager who can influence matches from the dug out,” he added. “Thats vital at this level.
“The club is in safe hands with Rodgers but one things sure, this tie isn’t over. The result in Kazakhstan was superb but it’s not job done. It’s job half done.
“Astana are no mugs away from home and they have a game plan. They are physical, well drilled and have a bit of pace. Their strength is in set pieces.
“Celtic’s home record in Europe of late has been poor and if the players ever needed the crowd it will be on Wednesday.
“Take it from me, the players will be nervous and Rodgers will be enforcing the need of mental strength and the need for courage.”
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