‘BRING IT ON,’ RODGERS

BRENDAN RODGERS is adamant Celtic have a great chance of gatecrashing the Last 16 of Europe’s elite not matter who they they get in the Champions League draw.

The Hoops boss is clearly looking forward to the money-spinning ballot in Monte Carlo at 5pm.

The Parkhead men have missed the showpiece occasion under Ronny Deila for two successive seasons, but the nervy 5-4 aggregate win over Hapoel Be’er Sheva booked their place back in football’s big-time.

Rodgers said: “I think we have to refocus on our goals. We want to come out of the group. We are not in it just to participate.

“In order to get out the group you have to get in it. So, our first job, which was a massive job, was to qualify.

“It’s an amazing experience to have gone through it. But now we are actually in it, it’s most probably going to be a difficult draw.

“We are in now with Europe’s elite, but we will be in it to try and qualify.”

Rodgers revealed he has no preference over opposition and added: “It will just feel really, really nice.

“It will sink in over the next day or two, the achievement traced back to June 25 and what we walked into. We have started on the first day and this was our first target.

“It’s amazing to have actually achieved that and it’s a huge success for the club. And, particularly, the players.

“Europe will be happy, as well, when they see a great club such as Celtic involved, with our supporters. Hopefully, it will be a nice evening and we can get a good draw.

“I am very optimistic and positive in my outlook, but you can’t get too far ahead of yourself. Get there and then it will be nice to see our name in the pot.

“Then let’s see what the draw is.”