The pressure cranks up on Brendan Rodgers tomorrow night but after eight months out of the game the new Celtic boss will welcome the clash with Astana.
Celtic’s first leg defeat to Lincoln Red Imps instantly cast doubts over the squad that the new manager had inherited and deflated the expectations created by Rodgers’ appointment.
The reality of qualifying for the group phase of the Champions League was laid bare but after a 1-1 first leg draw in Astana qualifying doesn’t seem quite so daunting.
Astana have battled through the qualifying phase in each of the last two seasons but weren’t anything exceptional going by their first leg performance.
A sell-out crowd for a match not on the season ticket is a rarity and gives an indication to the level of expectation around the club for the Champions League.
Celtic Park hasn’t properly rocked since James Forrest’s last gasp winner against Shakhtar Karagandy. Tomorrow night over 90 minutes, or 120 minutes with penalty kicks Rodgers will expect his players to deliver before he attempts to strengthen his squad ahead of the play-off phase.
CLICK HERE to view the 4-4-2 to see off Astana.