After beating Astana last night Brendan Rodgers faces a very hectic four days as he tries to bring in the new faces needed to take Celtic into the group stage of the Champions League.
Over two rounds against Lincoln Red Imps and Astana the Celtic boss has learned more about his squad than a season load of dvd’s and statistical analysis will ever reveal.
Reaching the play-off stage has been far from straightforward, Lincoln Red Imps and Astana have both created problems but Rodgers has kept his calm, soaked it all up and praised his players in public for their efforts.
Behind the scenes the Irishman will be forming opinions on a number of key areas in the squad, perhaps gaining more trust and respect for the younger element while questioning if some of his more senior players have a medium term future.
If Rodgers gets the four players that he is looking for Celtic will be transformed, add them to Moussa Dembele, Kolo Toure and Eoghan O’Connell and it’s not far off a new look side to work with.
While looking to put his own stamp on the squad Rodgers knows that he has to rely heavily on the players he inherited if he is to open up the money available from the group phase of the Champions League.
CLICK on the gallery at the top to view the FIVE big issues from last night’s match.
CRAIG GORDON
It’s alarming that the only fit goalkeeper with first team experience was at fault for both goals scored by Astana.
Last night’s header looked like the action of a nervous rookie, not a time served keeper whose played at the top level for a decade.
With Logan Bailly injured there is currently no competition to the former Sunderland keeper which is never healthy.
For now Rodgers doesn’t have any option but to hope that Gordon rediscovers his touch and confidence but bringing in another keeper either as back up or to compete for the No. 1 jersey will now be in the agenda.
EOGHAN O’CONNELL
We have a player! In less than a fortnight he has gone from a likely departure to first pick central defender with Brendan Rodgers full of praise for the way that he has taken his chance.
Critics might point to his lack of pace but that is more than compensated for by his ability to hit a pass, composure on the ball, his tackling, heading and physical presence.
Rodgers knows that he has much more than potential to work with, alongside Erik Sviachenko and Kolo Toure the defence no longer seems to be a problem area.
THE MIDFIELD
Despite having almost a dozen options to choose from there’s something not right about the Celtic midfield.
Stuart Armstrong was replaced after an hour, Stefan Johansen introduced after 30 minutes but at no time did the blend seem right.
Rodgers has tried a few formations with three, four or five midfielders but so far nothing has really proved convincing.
As he crafts his team together getting it right in the centre is essential, at their best a strong, versatile four man midfield is more than just the heartbeat of the team.
SUBSTITUTES
It’s very interesting to see how Rodgers uses his subs, under Ronny Deila it was a constant source of frustration as obvious switches were avoided with certain players and certain times.
The substitution of Patrick Roberts was forced upon him, the switch in formation to bring in Stefan Johansen never really made an impact.
Kolo Toure’s introduction on the hour was a calculated gamble- that looked to have misfired when Astana equalised but pushing Saidy Janko forward provided a fresh weapon.
Moussa Dembele for James Forrest was an obvious switch but also a bold one- a clear sign of intent that paid off spectacularly.
ATMOSPHERE
It’s not quite at Martin O’Neill levels but there is a certain rapport already in place with Brendan Rodgers and the Celtic fans.
After two seasons of let downs and disappointment it’s natural that the support is edgy, another brutal let down wasn’t far away last night but thankfully averted.
Despite the Ronny Roar the link between player and supporters has been missing over recent seasons, it tailed off towards the end of Neil Lennon’s time in charge.
With a new manager well versed in the club, a standing section and season ticket sales on the up a new bond is brewing. There will be challenges, Neil Lennon brought back the thunder, Brendan Rodgers re-opened the top tier.