‘Rodgers’ tactics got Celtic through’

Celtic were awful but they made it, just.

Whether the defining moment was Scott Brown’s fifth goal at Celtic Park or Craig Gordon’s crucial penalty save last night at 0-0, it doesn’t really matter because the end result is the same.

Thankfully, Celtic will once again be able to mix it with the big boys.

Make no mistake, the Champions League is now a better competition with Celtic confirmed to take their place in the group stages of Europe’s premier club competition following their success in their final qualifying tie in Tel Aviv against Hapoel Be’er Sheva.

No matter who they are drawn against, Glasgow will be a wonderful place to be when the champions League soundtrack of Zadok the Priest resounds around Celtic Park and the rest of Europe can see what it’s like to play in front of some extraordinary supporters.

To be blunt, after the dull period of Ronny Deila’s reign, Brendan Rodgers was brought in to deliver Champions League football and his pedigree and decision making under pressure ensured that during the difficult moments of the tie, his tactical changes turned the game Celtic’s way.

At Celtic Park in the first leg, he gave both the crowd and players a lift by putting on an extra striker and midfield player that brought another couple of goals.

Last night with the game slipping away from him, he reverted to a three-man central defence with two deep wing-backs to keep the Israelis at bay at a time …

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