Brendan Rodgers believes that Celtic have the resilience and mentality to see off Hapoel Beer Sheva and reach the group phase of the Champions League.
Twelve months ago Ronny Deila claimed that his players were frightened in Malmo as they lost 4-3 on aggregate to the Swedish champions to tumble out of the Champions League for the second season running.
Celtic’s nerve was severely tested during the first leg when a commanding 3-0 lead was dismantled before being restored again with two goals in the last fifteen minutes.
Deila’s side were never convincing in any pressure match but other than the first leg defeat to Lincoln Red Imps Rodgers’ side have came up with the goods.
Astana and Hapoel both scored at Celtic Park but rather than buckle the hoops bounced back to push home an advantage.
“We’re not perfect by any means but have resilience and mentality to keep going,” Rodgers stated at today’s pre match media conference. “That has been pleasing.
“Players have worked hard to have that as part of their make-up.
“If you analyse and look at a lot of our games, it’s been pleasing that we’ve been scoring early
“I said the hallmark of the team would be starting games quickly and scoring but we have also scored late goals.”
Patrick Roberts joined the Celtic squad in training before the match and is expected to be named as a substitute to face the Israeli’s.
The on loan Manchester City winger injured a hamstring against Astana on August 3 but resumed full training last Friday.
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