Linfield hit for six as Celtic march on
Blues boss Healy praises his players as Champions League run ends
Linfield’s Champions League adventures came to an abrupt end in Glasgow last night.
David Healy’s side put up a brave fight in front of a 60,000 full house before going down 4-0 to Celtic – 6-0 on aggregate.
The Blues boss was full of praise for his players after the game but said the difference between part-time and full-time football told in the end.
“Celtic are a quality side,” he said. “They came out 100 mile an hour – I think 4-0 was just about fair.
“We got done late on on fitness levels – we are part time. Celtic are an incredible team especially these days – it is the best squad of players in a number of years.
“My players have been immense since I took the job.
“Going forward, our domestic league is our bread and butter.
“We are favourites to win the league and everyone is expecting us to win and hopefully with the performance and the players I have at my mercy we will go on and prove that next year.
“We are a good side – a brilliant group of players who want to do well for this club.”
Healy also paid tribute Brendan Rodgers after revealing the Celtic boss came into their changing room after the game.
“Fair play to Brendan – Brendan was a class act as he always is on and off the pitch,” he said.
“He is a great ambassador for this great football club. He came into the dressing room after the game and shook every single person’s hand in the dressing room.”
Celtic now play Rosenborg in the Champions League third qualifying round after the Norwegian side knocked out Dundalk.
Rodgers said he was pleased with the way things had gone for his team this season so far.
He said: “It was a very good win for us – some of our football was very very good.
“Our only disappointment is that we did not score more in the first half – we were a bit wasteful.
“Our intensity wore them down in the end but I am very very pleased.