Rodgers targets Champions League after Celtic get back on track

Brendan Rodgers said he “lives for Celtic to be the very best” as he targets Champions League qualification when the Scottish champions make a 7,000 mile round trip to Kairat Almaty on Tuesday.

After a disappointing 0-0 first leg draw at home to the Kazak champions, a much-changed Celtic side beat Livingston 3-0 to maintain their perfect start to the Scottish Premiership season.

Benjamin Nygren scored twice before substitute Johnny Kenny added a late third.

However, there were still scenes of unrest at Celtic Park as supporters took aim at the club’s board for not backing Rodgers in the transfer market.

The former Liverpool and Leicester manager has spoken openly of his frustration in recent weeks, but believes his side still have enough to qualify for Europe’s elite competition for a fourth consecutive season.

“We have a great chance to go over there and qualify,” said Rodgers.

“There’s no doubt everyone can see where the gaps are in our squad and those aren’t filled, but the players here are more than capable of going and getting the result we want.”

Celtic reached the knockout phase of the Champions League last season for the first time in 12 years and pushed Bayern Munich all the way before losing 3-2 on aggregate in the play-off round.

“We want to be at the highest level of European football and Champions League is that,” added Rodgers.

“We live for Celtic to be the very best and when you have those opportunities you want to take them.”

On the field, the manager’s decision to make eight changes paid off despite a goalless first half.

Nygren fired in the rebound after Livie goalkeeper Jerome Prior denied Yang Hyun-jun just seconds into the second half.

The Swedish international then curled his second into the top corner before Kenny volleyed in Daizen Maeda’s cross.

Celtic move two points clear of Hearts at the top of the table, who dropped their first points of the season despite coming from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 against Motherwell.

The visitors were deserving of their lead for a dominant first hour as Callum Slattery, Tawanda Maswanhise and Emmanuel Longelo all netted.

Harry Milne pulled a goal back before Claudio Braga netted twice and then struck the woodwork in stoppage time.

Rangers are now seven points off the top ahead of their trip to St. Mirren on Sunday when Russell Martin will aim to win his first league match in charge.