Rodgers calm in Kazakhstan

Brendan Rodgers has played down his central defensive problems ahead of Celtic’s Champions League third round qualifier against Astana on Wednesday.

Danish defender Erik Sviatchenko did not travel to Kazakhstan after picking up a groin injury last Friday, while 18-year-old Kristoffer Ajer is out with a broken thumb.

The Hoops boss was already without long-term injured centre-backs Jozo Simunovic and Dedryck Boyata while new signing Kolo Toure remained in Glasgow to catch up on his fitness.

The often-criticised Efe Ambrose and 20-year-old Eoghan O’Connell, who scored against Leicester at the weekend but who has yet to play in Europe, are the only two centre-backs available although Sweden full-back Mikael Lustig can also play there.

Despite the scarcity of cover Rodgers remained calm as he pondered his line-up against the Kazakh champions.

“Sviatchenko has been working well but unfortunately before the game at the weekend he picked up a groin strain which makes him unavailable,” said the former Liverpool manager, who revealed midfielder Stefan Johansen did not travel due to personal reasons.

“We will assess that over the course of the next week and see if he can …

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