Defender explains the Rodgers factor

Saidy Janko believes that Brendan Rodgers has installed a new mindset into the Celtic squad.

A year ago the hoops were preparing for a Champions League campaign that ended with Ronny Deila claiming that his squad were scared of Malmo.

Those comments didn’t go down well with the players- or supporters- but Janko feels that Rodgers has already turned things around.

“Overall, we were a bit unlucky against Malmo but I think this year the mentality is different,” the defender explained.

“That’s down to our experience from last year and, of course, the new manager brings in freshness and gives us a lift as well.

“Everyone is motivated. We want to get into the Champions League this year at any cost.We’re working really hard in training and I think we’re going to be all right for the game.”

Janko seems to be a certain starter tomorrow night with Rodgers’ defensive options decimated by injury.

A 3-5-2 formation is looking increasingly likely as the hoops attempt to return from Kazakhstan with a result that gives them a fighting chance of going through.

Looking towards the match assistant manager Chris Davies said: “We have a game plan for Astana, we’ve had a good look at them and we know what we have to to do.

“It will be difficult. They are a team who have done well at home in the Champions League.

“They are physical, they have quality and we’ll have to be on our game.”