Brendan Rodgers: Celtic aiming for good Europa League run after Champions League disappointment

Brendan Rodgers says Celtic are aiming to have a good run in the Europa League after missing out on the continent’s top competition.

The Hoops get the league phase under way with a game against Red Star Belgrade in Serbia on Wednesday.

They were denied a place in the Champions League after a penalty shoot-out defeat to Kairat Almaty in the play-off round.

But the manager insists it is time to consign that to the history books and “have a real go” in Europe’s second-tier tournament.

Speaking on the eve of their opening game, Rodgers said: “After the initial disappointment (of missing out on the Champions League), we are now really looking forward to this competition.

“You look at the eight games we have, there are some great teams and it is a great challenge for us to be in it.

“We are now really focused on doing well in this competition.

“I’m sure that (going deep into the tournament) is the plan for every team, but certainly for us, we want to have a real good go at this competition.

“We were competitive in the Champions League last season, and likewise in the Europa, with the improvements that we will make as the season goes on, we really want to push and do as well as we can do.

“We have to forget about the Champions League now, that is gone this season, so it is now very much about looking forward.

“When Celtic reached the final in 2003, that created some incredible memories for people and that came off the back of not qualifying for the Champions League.

“This is going to be a great tournament, with some great games, and I am really looking forward to it.”