Brendan Rodgers has no concerns about Celtic’s Champions League clash with Astana.
Twelve months ago the hoops saw off Astana at the third round taking much of the mystery out of the trip to Kazakstan.
Despite having Moussa Dembele and Dedryck Boyata ruled out of the matches through injury Rodgers can call upon Jozo Simunovic and Scott Sinclair who missed out last season.
The prize for qualifying is enormous with the cash and prestige of playing in the Champions League transforming the season with the prospect of dropping into the Thursday night routine of the Europa League much less appealing.
???? BR: “Beauty for us is that it’s not the unknown. We played them last year and qualified, really at the beginning of our journey together.”
— Celtic Football Club (@celticfc) August 4, 2017
???? BR: “We know what it’s like out there – hotel, astroturf pitch, same manager and virtually the same players.” #UCL
— Celtic Football Club (@celticfc) August 4, 2017
???? BR: “It will be equally as tough as last year but we will be looking forward to it and be ready for it.” #UCL
— Celtic Football Club (@celticfc) August 4, 2017
When the draw was made Celtic were going to get Astana or Hapoel Beer Sheva which would have been a repeat of last season’s play-off round.
Much will be made of the five hour time difference when Celtic travel to the return leg but the first match at Celtic Park effectively kicks off at 12.45am for the Astana players.
