BRENDAN Rodgers, the Celtic manager, promised his side would attack Rosenborg in next week’s Champions League first-leg qualifier in a bid to give themselves a convincing lead for the return in Norway.
Scotland’s treble winners easily took care of Linfield at Celtic Park to get themselves in the next round of qualifiers.
The 4-0 lead could easily have been doubled had the home side taken all their chances. As it was, a Scott Sinclair double plus goals from Tom Rogic and Stuart Armstrong ensured a 6-0 aggregate win.
Read more: Night of tension in Glasgow sees Celtic finish job against Linfield
And up next is Rosenborg who if defeated would guarantee Celtic an extended in European football, as even if they lost the play-off they would drop into the Europa League group stages.
“We’ve watched some of Rosenborg’s games already,” admitted Rodgers. “They play 4-3-3 and are midway through their season. They’ll have a good level of fitness and their structure is pretty much set.
“Norwegian teams are disciplined and organised but we know whoever we get won’t be easy. But if we want to get to where we want we have to get through these games. I’m happy we can go in tactically ready and physically we’re still building up.
“Rosenborg will come and want to not concede many. We play how we play, we’ll attack the game and see if we can build a lead for the second leg.”
Rodgers might even give his predecessor Ronnie Deila, now back in Norway as manager of Valerenga, for advice.
“Ronnie is a good man and did great here,” said Rodgers. “We’ve got the information if I need it and I know he is there. We will have plenty of detail.”
Read more: Night of tension in Glasgow sees Celtic finish job against Linfield
There could unfortunately be a negative fall-out from last night for both clubs who are each facing two UEFA charges on today (Thursday) from the first-leg in Belfast.
There were songs sang from either set of supporters which could be construed as sectarian and two banners were held aloft by the home fans which had clear links to the Troubles.
Asked about them, Rodgers said: “I didn’t see them. Fortunately, I’m one of these guys who concentrates on football and the game. I’ve got decent vision and a bad first touch but I was concentrating on football.”
Back to the game and Celtic were several levels above Linfield who did well to escape Celtic Park having conceded only four goals.
“The football at this stage of the season was very good,” said Rodgers. “Our fitness gained an extra notch forward in terms of pre-season. Our first half positioning in the game was very good and it was good to get through.
Read more: Night of tension in Glasgow sees Celtic finish job against Linfield
“Our only disappointment was we didn’t score more. We were a bit wasteful which sometimes happens at this stage. In the second-half we talked about a bit more movement without the ball.
“I also want to say a big thank you to the fans. To have a full house for a qualification game, which to some might mean nothing, you can see how much the fans want to watch this team.”
David Healy, the Linfield manager, was full of praise for Celtic and their manager.
He said: “Brendan is a fantastic ambassador for this incredible football club. He came into our dressing room afterwards and shook every player by the hand. He didn’t need to do that.
"Celtic face Rosenborg next and they should be looking to go beyond and all the way to the group stages.
“This is the best squad Celtic have had for a long time. They could do well in the Champions League.
“There were times they had five and six forwards. They came at us at 100mph. I think 4-0 was about fair.”
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