The Scottish Premiership side take on Lincoln Red Imps on Tuesday.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers
Brendan Rodgers has insisted that Celtic’s approach against Lincoln Red Imps in the Champions League will be no different to the approach they would take against a much bigger side, the Evening Times reports.
The Hoops face the champions of Gibraltar on Tuesday, and will be heavy favourites to take a substantial lead into the second leg that takes place at Parkhead next Wednesday.
And while it appears that only complacency could deny the Bhoys putting one foot in the third qualifying round, Rodgers has claimed that the side will not be going into the first leg expecting an easy game.
“There is no change,” he told the Evening Times.
“Celtic is always the big attraction, the big draw, the big club, we are very proud to take Celtic around the world for our supporters and players.
“Every game is a big game. There is no game that is any bigger or smaller.
“Of course you have different level of opponent but for myself and the staff that doesn’t change in terms of our preparation and at Celtic there is a huge expectation on us to do well.
Given the club’s struggles in recent years in Europe’s main competition, it is unlikely that the side will be taking anything for granted, regardless of the stature of the team standing between them and the next round.
Over the two legs, Celtic should have little issue progressing. However, Rodgers will want his side to use the game against Lincoln to send a message to any team hoping to challenge them for the Scottish Premiership title by putting in a completely professional performance to prove that they are a much stronger side than the one that fell during the preliminary stages of last year’s competition.
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