After claiming an aggregate victory of 5-4 against HapoelBe’erSheva, Celtic FC just barely managed to secure a spot in the group stages of the Champions League which is something that they had not been able to do for the past few seasons.

Celtic was pitted in group C of the current season of the Champions League and this group consists of: Barcelona, Manchester City and Borussia Monchengladbach. These are all of the opponents that Brendan Rodgers and his squad will be facing off as they fight for a top spot that would allow them to advance into the knockout phase of the European competition.

Barcelona and Manchester City are the clear favorites of advancing through the next rounds but anything can happen in the world of football and Brendan Rodgers is well aware of the huge mountain that is lying ahead.

Even if Celtic FC can’t overcome those top clubs, securing a 3rd spot would allow them to compete in the Europa League which is still fairly good news for Celtic as the Scottish club will still be able to compete in a European tournament which also contains top teams.

Brendan Rodgers expressed his delight in being able to compete in the Champions League as the Northern Irish coach said: "I am immensely proud. I am so proud for the football club, firstly for Dermot, Peter and the board. It is great for them.

"They stuck their neck out in the summer and the club has a real positive feel to it at the moment and this was always, hopefully, going to keep that momentum going so it is a huge step for us.I am absolutely delighted for the players, the work they have put in, the mentality and honesty they show and they have got their rewards.

‘’It is an incredible moment for them, they are going to be back in amongst Europe's elite and it is where Celtic belongs."

The next assignment of Rodgers is to help Celtic FC make a decent run in the group stages of the Champions League and not lose their focus in his task of defending the Scottish League Championship title.