Brendan Rodgers buoyed for the future after Celtic’s European hopes are dashed

“He is 100% and eager to give the best version of himself”. “We can take that on as a team and build on that”.

Celtic face a tall order to progress, needing at least one win against Barca or away to Manchester City, while hoping Borussia Monchengladbach lose their two meetings with the same opponents. Messi had further opportunities to add to his tally and only a remarkable save by Gordon from a Suarez header in the first half prevented the winning margin from being wider.

Rodgers, for one thing, is looking for the Scottish champions to be more aggressive against table-topping Barca.

Rogic played just over an hour at Celtic Park as Lionel Messi’s brace was enough for the Catalans to win 2-0.

“His quality and just the things he’s done in the game are magical”. “Even at Celtic Park, the [4-1] scoreline was probably a little bit flattering towards us, so we know it’s going to be very tough”. Celtic and Borrussia Moenchengladbach are still to come.

After the failure to beat Malaga, Luis Enrique tried to play down the significance of the absence of Messi and Suarez with the observation: “We have lost games without Messi and Suarez and lost games when they have played”.

Celtic for the match against Barcelona suited to the series of 6 matches without defeat, and 2 points in the group after four matches, completing the quartet C in the Champions League.

Rodgers revealed that Leigh Griffiths will be given every chance to prove his fitness ahead of kick-off.

Indeed, Gordon believes this season’s European experience will stand Celtic in good stead for next year.

Barcelona went up the other end and won a penalty, which Messi stepped up and duly converted to keep them top of Group C. They pressed well and tactically the players improved. At 1-0 we were always in the game.

“We have had a harsh lesson, but we learned from it and became a better team after the first game”.

“We have done very well to put ourselves in this position”.

That magic took place earlier in this competition, as Celtic tied previously unbeatable Manchester City 3-3 in front of a raucous Celtic fanbase.