CRAIG Gordon has cited Celtic’s Champions League pedigree as the secret ingredient that will help them cook up a play-off place on Wednesday night.
Just three games stand between Brendan Rodgers’ team and a place in the coveted group stages that helped launch the expectation of the club’s support going into this season, memorable nights against Manchester City and Borussia Moenchengladbach still fresh in the memory.
Even being hammered by Barcelona has a certain appeal to it when faced with the alternative of not being there at all. Of course, a stubborn Rosenborg team are the first obstacle that Celtic need to overcome.
But even after the uncertainty of the second leg in Trondheim on the back of the 0-0 draw in Glasgow last week, Gordon has backed the experience gained over the last 12 months to help see the Scottish champions through.
“I think our Champions League experience is a big help for us. It’s going to be a close game and we’re going to have to play well,” said the Celtic goalkeeper.
“We have to make sure we stick to our game plan and know what we’re doing because we’re going to get tested.
“We know that. But we’ve stood up to every one so far and it’s up to us to go there and stand up to this one and come out on top again.
“I think we have proved we’ve got the nerve to go over there and handle the situation.
“It doesn’t feel like a pressure in the changing room at the moment. We would’ve liked to go there with a lead, but at the same time we’ve got the clean sheet.
“If we can go there and get a goal then we’ll have a big advantage.
“They’ll need to beat us, which hasn’t happened to us for a while. So we’re still confident we can go there and get a result which will see us through.”
Reflecting on last Wednesday’s first leg frustrations, Gordon remains pragmatic.
“I think with it being 0-0 it will still be a little bit cagey. Nobody will want to give anything away and they’ll be desperate to avoid conceding the away goal.
“You have to give a fair amount of credit to Rosenborg. They came and were very well organised, closed a lot of the space off and didn’t allow us the time to really dictate the play in their half.”
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