On the front foot- Brendan’s 4-2-3-1 to finish off Rosenborg in style

In terms of injuries and transfers it’s not been a great start to the season but on the actual pitch Brendan Rodgers has got his side flying.

From the opening competitive match in the heat of Armenia it has been obvious that the players are fit and sharp with no breaking in time required.

Last week Rosenborg posed a serious footballing threat but with a quick shuffle Rodgers turned the course of the tie on it’s head with the Norwegian side fortunate to head home only two goals behind.

That second half performance has led to an incredible surge in confidence among supporters but there is still some serious work to be carried out in Norway.

At some stage early in the game Rosenborg are bound to enjoy a period of pressure, standing firm at the back at hitting on the break is the response that Rodgers will be looking for from his side.

A year ago Rosenborg were caught in two minds about how to build on a goal-less first leg in Glasgow, on Wednesday their task is more straightforward which could play into Celtic’s hands.

A continuation of the form shown last week is required- that will be good enough to get past Rosenborg and build momentum towards the third qualifying round against AEK Athens.

CRAIG GORDON

Kept two clean sheets last season against Roseborg and will be looking for one more.

He didn’t stand much chance last week with the opening goal but stood firm with a few good saves as his team-mates set about turning the match around.

The Scotland keeper is very experienced in these situations, he’ll have a youthful defence in front of him but they are well aware of how to defend set pieces.

CRISTIAN GAMBOA

Let no one down last week and deserves to keep his place, exactly what you are looking for in a back up defender.

As a former Rosenborg player he’ll enjoy going back to his old ground and the chance to lay down a marker for greater involvement.

Not so much will be expected of him in an attacking sense but when required he can provide James Forrest with the support required.

JACK HENDRY

Seems to be struggling to win over supporters who probably had their hopes build up for a more experienced German central defender.

Hendry has did little wrong in his dozen or so first team performances, very few of them have been in central defence.

Like Gamboa he knows that he has to put in a strong performance with other options closing in on a return to action.

KRIS AJER

It has been quite a year for the young central defender who returns ‘home’ as Celtic’s first choice defender.

He’ll know better than anyone in the Celtic side what to expect and will enjoy another joust with Nicklas Bendtner.

His performances since the turn of the year have been a great bonus in an area of the team which seems jinxed at this time of the year.

KIERAN TIERNEY

The most experienced defender on show is now taking part in his fourth Champions League qualifying campaign.

At the age of 21 he has now played in more European matches than most of the Lisbon Lions and will know what to expect, and what is expected in these matches.

Matches like these are the making of players with KT having the ability and know how to navigate his way through to face AEK Athens in round three.

SCOTT BROWN

Rosenborg certainly knew who was the biggest threat to their Champions League prospects but despite an early booking the Celtic skipper was unaffected by their tactics.

There was an extra onus on Brown last week to help out the youngish central defensive partnership behind him but he revels on responsibility.

With a proper summer break and no international football he’ll be looking forward to the challenge of another Champions League campaign more than ever.

OLIVIER NTCHAM

Like most young players working under Brendan Rodgers his game improves at an impressive rate.

He has all the strength that you are looking for in a defensive midfielder but has the skill and touch to harm teams at the other end of the park as last week’s goal demonstrated.

Game by game, month by month his influence on the team is growing with the group phase of the Champions League the obvious testing ground.

JAMES FORREST

His pace down the right will be a constant threat as Rosenborg try to force their way back into the match.

He was the match winner last year and is capable of more damage this time around, the early signs are that he has picked up quickly on the form he showed last season.

When required he can track back but given half a chance he’ll be haring in on goal and already looks to have formed a great partnership with Odsonne Edouard.

CALLUM MCGREGOR

Like Forrest he has quickly picked up on the form that made him a first pick through the biggest games of last season.

Last week at home to Rosenborg he took up the ‘Rogic role’ and suddenly all parts of the side started to link together.

He has a fantastic scoring record in Europe and will be looking to add to last season’s strikes against Bayern Munich and Zenit St Petersburg.

SCOTT SINCLAIR

Has his work cut out to get back into the team but showed a few glimpses of form including the assist for Edouard’s equaliser.

Last season his form tailed off alarmingly after the Champions League qualifiers, this time around he needs to nail down a place as Tom Rogic and others come back into contention.

He’s happy to put in a defensive shift but will be looking to hit Rosenborg on the break with his pace and hopefully find the net as well.

ODSONNE EDOUARD

The man of the moment with all sorts of compliments flowing his way after last week’s double strike against the Norwegians.

Expectations are growing on the young French striker but he seems a natural around goal that thrives on the pressure.

He’ll know how the Champions League is capable of projecting a player across the continent and will be out to make his mark in the group phase.