SCOOT BROWN as usual will lead from the front on Wednesday night in Trondheim as Celtic set out to protect a 3-1 advantage won with some considerable style at Parkhead last week.
“The football we played in the second half was outstanding. We managed to keep them back in their half and keep the shots on Craig’s goal to a bare minimum,” Broony said today, looking back on the first leg against Rosenborg.
“The way the lads played was exceptional but going over there is totally different circumstances. They know they have to come out and score two goals so here’s hoping we can open them up a little bit.
“We have so much pace all over the team now and it’s a big part of our game. We have Scott Sinclair who is back flying and Jamesy Forrest who was exceptional last year and has started the season as well as anyone.
“Odsonne as well looks a totally different player from last season, he is looking sharper, fitter and stronger and looks like he has a proper eye for goal. He’s been a breath of fresh air.
“It’s always hard going over there but last year we went there after a 0-0 at home and got a great victory with a great goal by Jamesy Forrest.
“We have won there before so the aim for us is to go over there, score goals, create chances and play good football. We believe we can do that.”
Celtic will start the defence of their title at the weekend when Danny McGrain is called upon to unfurl the Premiership flag, the 7th successive season it’s been at Paradise on the opening day of the season.
“The aim this season is just to take every game as it goes, make sure we try and go as far as we can in the qualifiers and try and get into Champions League football and then on Saturday start the league campaign with a good victory and a good performance as well,” Broony said, as he looked forward to the rest of his week.
Looking at the competition that stands between Celtic and 8IAR, the skipper looked to the danger coming principally from Pittodrie and Easter Road.
“It’s going to be same again.
“You’re always going to get Aberdeen, you’re going to get Hibs up there as well.
“Hearts have brought in a lot of new players as well, so we don’t know too much about them yet and so have Rangers.”
But most of all Brown has been impressed by his own team-mates.
“The squad’s phenomenal to be perfectly honest. The squad is probably as fit and as strong as it’s been for a long time. Fitness levels, it’s definitely right up there.
“Quality-wise, it’s got to be up there as well because of the football we’re playing.”
