SAIDY JANKO, so impressive in the 2-1 midweek win over Astana, is already looking forward to a stern test against Champions League play-off rivals Hapoel Be’er Sheva.
The Swiss Under-21 right-back who joined the Hoops from Manchester United in a £1million deal just over a year ago, insisted Brendan Rodgers’ men are well prepared for the challenge from the Israeli title-holders later this month.
Janko said: “I heard they are going to be a tough team. I’ve already asked Nir Bitton and he told me they are a good side, so I think we will get a good game there and we we need to be ready.
“After a six-hour journey to Kazakhstan in the last round and now with five hours to Israel, it will be tough, but we will need to be prepared for it.
“To be honest, we were quite confident of reaching the group stages right from the start. We know we’re a good team and we need to get into the Champions League group stages this season.
“We just need to be prepared and give everything we’ve got. Every game is different and you just need to approach each one with concentration and good preparation.”
Janko also admitted he is relishing the next 12 months under new manager Rodgers after spending so much of last season on the treatment table.
The powerhouse defender added: “He’s a good coach. He talks with the players a lot and he tells us what he wants from us and we try to deliver.
“I feel I have done alright. As a team, though, the main thing was getting through to the next stage of the play-offs which we did.
“It’s a very important season. I’m very excited and, hopefully, there will be no injuries. I just want to play as much as I can, help the team, get many titles and be successful.”
