Gordon: Celtic better equiped for Champions League tilt

Craig Gordon claims Celtic are making their bid for the Champions League in better fettle than last season.

Brendan Rodgers' first game in charge of the Hoops saw them crash 1-0 away to minnows Lincoln Red Imps in Gibraltar.

Celtic recovered the second qualifying tie 3-0 at Parkhead and battled their way into the group stages, while going on to win the treble in Scotland and remaining unbeaten domestically.

Ahead of the first leg of their second qualifier against Northern Irish champions Linfield at Windsor Park on Friday, the Scotland keeper was in confident mood.

He said: We managed to do it last year and we came through all the games.

We are probably in a better place than we were at this stage last season.

We have had a lot more time with the manager and we understand what he wants.

The main part of the squad is the same, barring a few. I think we are in a lot better place going into these ones.

First of all we have to look to qualify for the Champions League and it starts with this game. We are not looking further beyond that at the moment.

We have to get there and try and improve on last season and improve our performances and if we do that then we will try and better results. But first of all we have to try and ensure we get there.'

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