Let me take you back to November 1st last year when a Celtic side still very much trying to find its way headed to Germany.

Having lost in the home tie against Borussia Monchengladbach, Celtic looked to get their own back on the Germans turf, and you know what, they almost did.

The Germans took the lead against the run of play, but Celtic took the initiative and the game to their hosts which would ultimately pay off when the bhoys were awarded a penalty which Moussa happily converted.

Had it not been for a glorious chance squandered by Callum McGregor at the death, Celtic would have walked away with all the spoils but at the end left with a credible point against an impressive side.

The match prompted Brendan Rodgers to lavish praise over his players on the night.

“I thought we should’ve won the game. I thought we were the best team. I’m really proud of the players.”

Which brings me to Wednesday’s tie.

Rosenborg was well organised at Celtic Park and stifled a team with no recognised striker on the pitch. It was a frustrating night, but it was not a damaging one.

Celtic head to Norway knowing they have the away goal advantage, should they score one. They also head over knowing that they’ll see a much more adventurous Rosenborg side, who, if they want to go through, have to score.

The Celtic manager will perhaps be using the Monchengladbach game as an example to his players that we are more than capable of getting a result. No disrespect to Rosenborg but the Germans were a much more efficient and talented side which is also a source of my encouragement.

The qualifiers are the football equivalent of walking a tight rope, one false move and you can find yourself on the ground looking up at the lights. Luckily, we have most of the same players with even more experience to ensure that doesn’t happen. The team that started in Germany that night is pretty much the same to the one that will head to Norway.

Starting XI versus Monchengladbach

It’s up to Celtic to prove they belong.