Scott Brown challenges his Celtic team-mates to prove boss Brendan Rodgers wrong
Wednesday 6 December 2017 15:44, UK
Celtic captain Scott Brown has challenged his team-mates to prove boss Brendan Rodgers wrong by showing they can cut it amongst the Europa League big guns.
The Hoops clinched third spot in their Champions League group to book themselves a slot in UEFA's secondary competition despite Tuesday night's 1-0 defeat to Anderlecht at Celtic Park.
Rodgers admitted the result was a wake-up call for certain members of his squad as he said: "Some of our players have a long way to go before they can call themselves players at this level.
"We need to be better, but we've shown that we can be."
Captain Brown admits those words stung but believes the opportunity to make amends could come when Celtic enter Friday's draw for the Europa League's last 32.
Rodgers' men will be unseeded and could face major powers like Atletico Madrid, CSKA Moscow, Arsenal or Milan.
"Those are always hard words to hear but this is when you have to go and prove everyone wrong," said the Scotland midfielder.
"Tuesday was a very disappointing game but we know we can play better than that. It's the big games that count but we didn't do that against Anderlecht.
Live SPFL
"We're into the Europa League now and we'll just need to see what draw we get.
"There are some fantastic teams in the hat so we're looking forward to the draw on Friday.
"We can take a lot of lessons into the Europa League, especially about playing at home. We need to get a victory or something to hold on to when we go away from home."
