Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers eyes Champions League draw against former side Liverpool: 'It would be absolutely amazing'

  • Celtic beat Astana 5-0 so Champions League qualification is almost certain
  • Liverpool are expected to qualify at expense of Hoffenheim as they lead 2-1
  • Former Reds boss Rodgers is after tie with old club which he labelled 'incredible'
  • He said: 'If we are in the same group as Liverpool it would be absolutely amazing'

If Celtic were to draw Liverpool in the Champions League it would be 'absolutely amazing', says Brendan Rodgers. 

The Hoops manager and former Reds boss guided his team to a 5-0 first-leg victory over Astana, all but assuring qualification to the group stage. 

And Liverpool are favourites to progress at the expense of Hoffenheim, carrying a 2-1 advantage into the second encounter at Anfield. 

Brendan Rodgers is excited at the prospect of meeting Liverpool in the Champions League

Brendan Rodgers is excited at the prospect of meeting Liverpool in the Champions League

He told BT Sport: 'We just want to qualify for the Champions League. Whoever we get, if we were in the same group as Liverpool it would be absolutely amazing. 


'They are an incredible club, a great history, particularly in the Champions League.' 

Rodgers clearly still holds plenty of affection for Liverpool and wants to test himself against the man who succeeded him, Jurgen Klopp. 

Rodgers said it would be absolutely incredible to take on his former side in Europe
Jurgen Klopp looks likely to steer Liverpool into the group stage of the Champions League

Rodgers said it would be absolutely incredible to take on his former side in Europe

European nights at Celtic Park and Anfield are renowned for an incredible atmosphere and would make for a fantastic spectacle if the two sides were to meet.

And it seems Celtic will be carrying great form into this year's competition if their dismantling of Astana is anything to go by.

Scott Sinclair netted twice and was joined on the scoresheet by James Forrest and two own goals to put the Scottish side in an almost unassailable position with bigger tests to come against Europe's elite. 

James Forrest was one of the goalscorers for Celtic in their 5-0 win over Astana 

James Forrest was one of the goalscorers for Celtic in their 5-0 win over Astana