It’s doubtful if Celtic have ever unfurled the league flag in such strange circumstances but last night, in the middle of the Glasgow Fair, the club celebrated last season’s title success- the fifth in succession.
Of more interest there was a new manager, a new formation and the promise of new players as well to excite the fans that shelled out for season tickets as soon as Brendan Rodgers was confirmed as Ronny Deila’s successor.
The feel good factor came unstuck last week in Gibraltar as the realisation that Deila’s squad, attitude and failings hadn’t left with the departing manager.
Speaking about the welcome he received Rodgers said: “I said when I first came in about getting the stands full and I couldn’t have wanted any more from the supporters.
“I grew up with that, seeing it from the outside looking in so I’m very fortunate to be a supporter who’s now stood on the sideline managing the team.
“To be able to stand in pole position and witness it was really special, so a big thank-you to the crowd because they were brilliant.”
After a week of anger and frustrations,
questions over was it the worst defeat ever or was it the most embarrassing were put to rest as the fans got behind the team with You’ll Never Walk Alone welcoming Rodgers to his ‘new’ home.
With a made to measure haircut to match his immaculate suit Rodgers set the standard in the dug-out as he hoped for his side to do the same on the pitch.
The team news was certainly unpredictable, it looked like a 3-5-2 and once the match got underway it also played like a 3-5-2 with Erik Sviachenko ‘anchoring’ the defence either side of the galloping Kieran Tierney and Mikael Lustig.
Despite his contract impasse James Forrest earned a place on the left wing and started impressively as the Lincoln Red Imps defence were tested for pace.
The visitors goal survived a handful of lucky escapes
before their resistance finally wilted in the 22nd minute when Lustig turned impressively to bury a half chance with the assurance of a time served predator.
Thankfully that strike opened the match up with Leigh Griffiths and Patrick Roberts scoring before the half hour with the on loan Manchester City winger finishing his chance with the composure normally reserved for the latter stages of the tournament.
Another goal before half time would have been welcome but it wasn’t to be with Lincoln Red Imps posing a threat after the break without repeating last week’s chaos.
The second half turned into one long frustrating 45 minutes
with the redeeming factor being that it was just the second competitive match of the season and the first 90 minutes for many in the side.
A 5-0 scoreline wouldn’t have flattered Celtic but long before the final whistle thoughts were turning to next week’s clash with Astrana.
After a narrow win over Shakhtar Karagandy three seasons ago everyone at Celtic is well aware of the risks involved in the third qualifying round.
Although he joked about the trip to Kazakhstan, by the time the match comes around next Wednesday Rodgers will know the expectations on him and his players to navigate their way into the riches of the Champions League.
Looking back on the 90 minutes against Lincoln Red Imps
Rodgers said: “I was very pleased with the first 30 minutes. I thought the crowd was incredible and the players felt that support.
“Overall I was pleased to get through, it certainly wasn’t perfect, there is a way to go for us in terms of where I want us to be but I am delighted with the attitude with the players, they scored three and their goalkeeper has probably stopped it maybe being double figures.
“We are through and that is the most important thing. We have a game on Saturday (against Leicester) and then we will look forward to the game next week which will be another difficult tie on a plastic pitch but we will be ready for it.”
The star of the night was clearly Patrick Roberts
with his goal highlighting the growing influence that he has over the Celtic side.
Roberts signed an 18 month loan deal in January that was geared towards appearing in the Champions League with the Londoner determined to make his mark on the team and ensuring that Celtic make it through to the group stage.
“The manager has a lot of players to choose from but I’m always ready and waiting, the winger said. “I’m always at him to play. It can ?motivate you when you know you’re starting but I’ve loved playing out there ever since I came here and I’ll do my best whenever I get that chance”.
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Roberts added: “That’s just what I’m like. I love playing football
and when I get out there I try to do what I do best.
“Whenever I’m on the ball, I’ll try to do something special while also keeping it simple and doing my bit for the team.
“Of course England are out there in Germany playing but I wanted to play in the Champions League, which was always my dream.
“I feel made for this stage. I’ve always believed in my ability and I’ve always wanted to play at the highest level.”