Celtic qualified for the Europa League’s knockout stages after Christmas.
The Hoops qualified for the knockout stages of the competition after finishing third in Group B of the Champions League, ahead of Belgian champions Anderlecht after winning 3-0 Belgium and losing only 1-0 at Parkhead.
Rodgers’ side face Russian giants Zenit St. Petersburg in the round of 32, who are managed by Roberto Mancini and boast the likes of Branislav Ivanovic, Aleksandr Kokorin and Domenico Criscito.
Marshall heaped praise on Rodgers and the club’s efforts during the 69-game unbeaten run, before stating that his old side could cause a surprise in Europe’s lesser competition by going further than most think.
“The current side have been brilliant,” Marshall said. “Obviously the record speaks for itself and it was incredible that they managed to get to 69 games undefeated.
“I think the way the team plays is the most enjoyable part of it. I really hope they can go far in the Europa League as they deserve a good run and they could surprise people by how far they could go.”
Celtic were drawn against Zenit after going into a hat filled with a number of high-profile sides such as Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, Arsenal and Atletico Madrid.
The Hoops’ attention will be on gaining some momentum before taking on Zenit in the first leg on February 15 at Parkhead, as they face Aberdeen on home soil this weekend.
Marshall, 32, acted as Celtic’s back-up to Rab Douglas for the majority of the time he was at Parkhead, making 50 appearances in all competitions before leaving in 2007 to join Norwich. After seven years with Cardiff, he joined Hull where he remains.
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