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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Blair Meikle

Rodgers reveals message to Celtic players and the pick he has no hesitation over

Brendan Rodgers will be urging his Celtic players to embrace the atmosphere at Crvena zvezda's ground.

The manager and his players are likely to be met by a hostile reception in Belgrade tomorrow evening when they pitch up for their Europa League tie. The walk from dressing room to tunnel is also an infamous one.

But the Northern Irishman sees it as an opportunity for his men and will be telling them to go out and embrace it.

The sides meet tomorrow evening in their opening league phase match in the Europa League.

Asked for his message to his players, Rodgers said: "Just embrace it. I've heard the walk is about two minutes from the dressing room to the stadium, so I'll have to talk a bit quicker at half-time! But what an opportunity, just embrace it."

Colby Donovan, 19, is enjoying an impressive first run in the first-team after injuries to right-backs Alistair Johnston and Anthonly Ralston.

Ralston is fit again but Rodgers insists he would have no qualms about playing the teen on the European stage and in such an atmopshere.



"No, absolutely none at all," he said. "I really like his mindset, he's improving physcially. He's understanding the football. I have no hesitation at all."

Rodgers believes his side is progressing after facing criticism early in the season despite their unbeaten start domestically.

The low point was obviously the Champions League exit to Kairat Almaty but he insists that is forgotten.

He added: "From the football aspect, our team is growing and developing. We won't change our mentality. We always respect the opponent and prepare for a tough game, but we know we are a tough opponent as well. We want to make it a really difficult night for Red Star.

"You know, in any game you play in European football, you need to start strong. Our DNA is very clear, we always want to play attacking football, but you know we won't always have it our own way. There are times when we will have to defend, but we have the confidence to play our own game."

"For us, for myself and the players, our disappointment is long gone. We have to look forward and embrace this great competition."

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