Former Celtic star Jackie McNamara has backed Brendan Rodgers, explaining that he has no doubts regarding the Northern Irishman’s abilities, despite the Bhoys failing to secure qualification to the Champions League group stage.

Celtic missed out on the Champions League group stage this year after losing out to AEK Athens in the third round of qualifying last month, following their 2-1 loss in Athens during the second leg of the tie.




Rodgers faced a lot of criticism for not guiding the Scottish champions to the group stage of Europe’s elite club competition, but the Bhoys have responded well to the setback by securing a berth in the Europa League group stage instead.

The playoff round win over FK Suduva, coupled with a win over Rangers in the Premiership, has helped Rodgers breathe a sigh of relief and McNamara has backed the Northern Irishman by claiming that he never doubted his abilities at any point.
 


"I don't think there is any doubt that Brendan is a top managerial operator”, McNamara told the Evening Times.

“In the lead up to the last game it was all about Rangers getting closer and there was a crisis over at Celtic but Brendan's team did their talking on the park.

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"Celtic showed that they are still way ahead”, he added.

Rodgers will be aiming for a third consecutive win in the league during Celtic's next outing, away from home at St Mirren in the Premiership on Friday night.