Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers satisfied with Parkhead stalemate

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Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers was left satisfied with his side’s goalless draw against Rosenborg in the first leg of their Champions League third qualifying round tie.

The Hoops dominated possession and territory for the majority of Wednesday’s match, but they lacked a cutting edge due to the absence of the suspended Leigh Griffiths and the injured Moussa Dembele.

Rosenborg actually created the better opportunities but Rodgers, who guided Celtic to the group stage of Europe’s premier club competition last season, believes the tie remains “evenly balanced”.

“Nil-nil is never a bad result in Europe,” he said. “If you can’t score it is important we don’t concede.

“I was pleased with the players. We were up against it a wee bit without strikers. They (Rosenborg) will want to come out a little bit more than they did, they will need to take the initiative. It is still evenly balanced.”

Rodgers is confident his side have the quality to progress in Trondheim next Wednesday, particularly if they can replicate the away performances they produced against Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund during last term.

“If we go and play like we did at Monchengladbach and Manchester City last season then we are through,” Rodgers added. “We will go there confident.”

Before Celtic negotiate the second leg of their European tie, they will first take on Sunderland in the Dafabet Cup on Saturday.

The Bhoys are priced at 1.57 to win at the Stadium of Light, the Black Cats are available at 4.75 and the draw is on offer at 4.00.

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