Celtic are getting set for one of their toughest trips in recent European campaigns as they head all the way to Kazakhstan to take on Kairat Almaty.
He recalled the lighter side of their flight but was clear about how tough the journey was on the players. Now, with a place in the Champions League group stage up for grabs, Celtic must deal with both the travel and the test on the pitch.
It’s not just the distance that makes this one tricky. The time zone, the flight length, and the lack of fans travelling all make it harder. Rodgers and his team are no strangers to Europe but this tie brings different problems to solve.
Even so, Rooney is confident in Celtic’s ability to cope. With experienced players who’ve done it at both club and international level, the squad has the tools to deal with what’s ahead.
He said: (MailSport), “I’m pretty sure we had the Rolling Stones’ old private jet for that trip. The company that used to organise the trips had some big names. They said the one we had for that journey was one of the Stones’ old jets.
“Of course, I’m sure Celtic would rather be going to Bratislava, just logistically it’s an awful lot closer.
“More so for the fans because you can’t expect many of them to travel over to Kazakhstan.
“But the players, especially some of the lads in the Celtic team, might be involved in international set-ups and stuff that so they’re used to travelling further abroad anyway.
“Celtic will be prepared, I’m sure. Going abroad it’s hard to actually work out the levels.
“I’m sure the lads at Celtic are a lot more adapted to it when playing in the Champions League qualifiers.
“They’ll just want to look after themselves and make sure they play to their capabilities.”
Celtic know the trip will be tough, but the main focus is still on the game itself. The long travel, new surroundings and small away support make it a harder task, but Rodgers and his team have faced this kind of test before.
Rooney’s words show it’s all about staying professional. The trip might be unusual, but this Celtic squad is used to European qualifiers and will see it as just another step toward reaching the league phase.
Not having many supporters in Kazakhstan will change the atmosphere, but not what’s at stake. A spot in the Champions League and the money that comes with it is still the big prize.
Celtic now need to manage the travel, adapt to the challenge and put in the right performance. It’s a long journey, but the reward makes it all worth it.
