The 5-0 win over Astana has thrown a completely new complexion on Celtic’s trip to Kilmarnock on Saturday.
He won’t admit it but Brendan Rodgers knows that Tuesday’s match in Kazakhstan is a formality without any of the tension of last season’s trip to Hapoel Beer Sheva.
Astana will be shown full respect on Tuesday but without the cloud on the horizon the Celtic boss can take a slightly bolder approach to the match at Rugby Park.
For the third weekend running Celtic kick off the SPFL programme knowing that they can apply some extra pressure to their ‘challengers’ at the top of the Premiership.
Much has been made of the strength in depth that Rodgers has built up but that is only relevant if the back-up squad can come in and deliver results.
That theory was tested and answered spectacularly in the League Cup tie against Killie ten days ago with the ‘B’ team putting in the best domestic performance of the season.
With a strong degree of confidence Rodgers knows that he can rest half of his big hitters without too much risk to the league campaign which will come in very useful once the Champions League group fixtures kick in.
After the high of Wednesday night things are bound to be a bit more mundane at Rugby Park- with a mix of regulars and younger prospects there’s no reason to expect anything other than an away win with a good few goals thrown in to maintain the early season momentum.
CRAIG GORDON
After missing out on some plastic adventures in the previous season the Scotland keeper was in action at Kilmarnock and Hamilton last season.
He’ll be hoping for a quiet afternoon with little in Kilmarnock’s early season form to suggest that they are capable of upsetting.
It’ll be another plastic pitch in Astana on Tuesday so Gordon might as well get his eye in with a competitive outing.
ANTHONY RALSTON
Continued his impressive development in the League Cup tie against Kilmarnock and will be looking for a repeat at Rugby Park.
He has pushed his way past Cristian Gamboa and should be in line for a dozen or more appearances this season.
It’s not a case of creating a place to give him a chance, Ralston is barging the door down and demonstrating with every appearance that he is ready for the next test.
KRISTOFFER AJER
Rugby Park will hold only happy memories for the Norwegian whose career took off at the turn of the year with a loan stint in Ayrshire.
He has barely put a foot wrong in his appearances so far but an away SPFL match on a plastic pitch will provide a fresh challenge.
His physical appearance ticks a lot of boxes while his experience as a midfielder means that he has the passing game essential to be in Rodgers’ plans.
KIERAN TIERNEY
Can expect the captaincy but can we expect another 42 yard special?
The more responsibility that he gets the greater he responds.
He has the total respect of the whole squad thanks to his ability while his passion for Celtic marks him down as as a definite leader whether he has the armband or not.
JONNY HAYES
Needs to take every chance that he gets but is in front of a very demanding audience.
While other players are allowed to play their way to fitness some harsh judgements are being made on the former Aberdeen winger.
Hayes has the game to trouble every SPFL defence but needs to understand the mechanics of how this Celtic team operates.
CALLUM MCGREGOR
Has been used most frequently as the attacking midfielder but with other options in that position he can expect to move back into a deeper midfield role.
Rodgers can count on at least a 7 out of 10 performance from every game with the 24-year-old showing all the qualities that the Celtic boss looks for from a midfielder.
His versatility means that he can be pushed further forward if needed with an invaluable eye for goal.
STUART ARMSTRONG
There’s no getting away from the impact that his contract issue is having on his performances.
With a positive resolution now expected Brendan Rodgers will be looking to pick up on last season’s form which had as big an influence on the treble success as any other player.
Hopefully for 90 minutes he can start to kick on and build on all the promise that the second half of last season which will provide the hoops with another strong midfield option.
OLIVIER NTCHAM
Still at the stage of needing to get matches to blend in with his team-mates and adapt to different formations.
He is having a growing influence on the team with his all round performance against Astana providing a pointer towards the sort of role that he will play as the season evolves.
Celtic paid £4m to bring in a Champions League player but it’s games at Kilmarnock that will help develop him to that level.
KUNDAI BENYU
Has made a big impact on everyone from the manager through to the fans.
Rodgers is keen to develop him in-house with this sort of fixture the perfect opportunity to let him experience the demands and expectations of Celtic.
Like Ajer he has barely put a foot wrong when given a chance and will be looking to push his case further for more regular involvement.
SCOTT SINCLAIR
Brendan Rodgers would prefer to rest the former Aston Villa man but with Leigh Griffiths in a delicate condition Sinclair could be forced into action.
He has been a bit short of last season’s top form but it won’t take too much to get him back to his wonderful best.
A plastic pitch isn’t the best for his type of skills but with a similar surface awaiting in Astana there’s no harm in giving Sinclair an hour on the Ayrshire plastic.
JAMES FORREST
Has put in a fair shift already for the team with a priceless goal away to Rosenborg.
He’s not at his best playing through the centre but could be forced to play that role more frequently and can only benefit from each outing.
His pace will have the Kilmarnock defence worried which can create openings for the wealth of midfielders looking to push up in support.