The importance of tonight’s match against Astana can’t be over emphasised.
For a multitude of reasons it is vital that Celtic progress. From a financial point of view reaching the group phase of the Champions League adds a third onto annual revenue, for the players and the supporters two years has been too long without the Champions League buzz.
On the face of it last week’s 1-1 draw in Astana was the hard part of the job but no one needs reminding of what happened with a similar result in Maribor two years ago.
It’s not in Brendan Rodgers nature to play for a 0-0 draw, a controlled, disciplined aggression is more likely to be the route to success.
Rodgers did his homework on the Kazak champions last week, but for one slip at a corner it could have been a text book performance.
Carrying out part two of the plan will be just as demanding but if these five players are on form it’ll be Celtic that go into the hat for Friday’s play-off draw.
Last season consisted of one big match let down after another, the right mentality and result tonight and Celtic Park will have a much more familiar feel about it as the good times get closer.
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