Talking Points from Rosenborg 0 Celtic 0 – Celtic win 3-1 on aggregate

Rosenborg 0 Celtic 0 – Celtic win 3-1 on aggregate.

1. Job done. Celtic’s European journey continued this evening as a cagey 0-0 result in Trondheim was enough to preserve the 3-1 victory in Glasgow last week. Brendan Rodgers young side were less than vintage but made it through the game and progressed over aggregate against what was a good Rosenborg team. Now, Celtic must look towards Kenny Miller’s Livingston before AEK Athens visit Glasgow on Wednesday night. We’ll need to improve by then though.

2. Celtic debuted their new third kit, a luminous green and black outfit with a nod to the bumble-bee Hoops of day’s gone by. The shirt didn’t look too much like Celtic and nor did the first half performance. The Norwegian champions’ pressure didn’t come to much but the Celtic defence and midfield looked frail – which will give the manager food for thought. In the second half, Celtic looked more composed and comfortable in possession.

3. Cristian Gamboa & Jack Hendry shine again. Written off by many as a wasted signings, Hendry gave a good account of himself at the centre of defence whilst Gamboa proved many doubters wrong with a resilient stint on Hendry’s right hand side. A potentially goal-saving challenge sticks out in the mind when thinking of Gambia’s performance after Rosenborg countered; however, the ex-West Brom man pounced when the time was right and won the ball. Hendry was aggressive in the air and managed himself well, despite a nervy piece of footwork after Craig Gordon fumbled a cross. The Costa Rican and Scotsman will be hoping to keep their places in the team with the introduction of Lustig and Boyata back into first team affairs.

4. New faces may be needed. The result aside, the performance will leave Brendan Rodgers and many supporters deeming tonight’s trip to be subpar. Celtic lacked the fluency and aggression of last week. Steel in midfield was lacking in the first period and a level of directness that was missing in attack – both the manager will address before AEK Athens come calling next week. Surprisingly, Celtic’s maligned back line survived against what Michael Stewart referred to as a ‘powderpuff’ Rosenborg.

5. Tierney’s injury worry. Kieran Tierney limped off after a knock to his left thigh which will be hopefully just a precautionary measure; however, if there is something more serious there then Celtic will be worried as the only remaining left back in contention is Calvin Miller. The usually super-fit KT is an integral member of the side so any loss will be disconcerting for fans and management ahead of the league beginning and AEK Athens next week.

6. Supporters instant reactions. A few comments below on social media at the final whistle. It won’t feature on the end of season DVD very prominently but it is nevertheless a case of job done. Well done Celtic for on the night all that really mattered was the result.

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor, who has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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