Rosenborg are no fitter than Celtic, insists Scott Sinclair

The Eliteserien leaders are 17 games into their league season and looked sprightly in the first leg of the third qualifier at Parkhead last week, leaving with a goalless draw.

Brendan Rodgers' side, by contrast, have played only three competitive matches, but Sinclair does not believe that will be a factor in Trondheim.

"I wouldn't say they are a fitter team than us,"said the 28-year-old forward. "We are fit.

"After the pre-season we have had, everyone is up to scratch, and every individual has had a great pre-season so I wouldn't put it down to that.

"It just comes down to performances.

"When we step onto the pitch tomorrow, we will make sure we give it 100 per cent and play as well as we have been playing, create chances and keep the ball and make sure we do what we do."

Rosenborg could indeed have won the game last week if they had taken their opportunities but it was performance underpinned by a sturdy defence.

However, the former Aston Villa and Manchester City attacker does not believe the Norwegian club will be any more expansive in front of their own crowd.

He said: "Personally, I think they will start similar to how they played at our home.

"They will sit in and try and break on the counter-attack.

"A lot of people think they will come out and play but I don't think that will be the case and they will play similarly to how they did (in Glasgow).

"It's a massive game and all the boys know what is at stake and this sets us up for the start of the season.

"We are going into the league this week. We all know we need to go out and win the game."

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