Ruairi Daly 
Steve Welsh/Getty Images Sport
In the aftermath of Celtic’s vital win over Astana in their quest to return to the Champions League, Brendan Rodgers called for fans to be patient with the players.
For large periods of the game last night, the Kazakhstan side sat back and chose to absorb the Hoops pressure, and gave Rodgers’ side little room to maneuver.
Fans inside the stadium were understandably frustrated by it, but Rodgers has called for fans to understand it’s not always so simple.
As quoted by the Scotsman about it, Rodgers said:
The only thing I would say to the supporters – and they were unbelievable tonight for us – is they need to show a bit of patience as well. I’m a Celtic supporter as well, I know how desperate they want it.
But they put the players on edge at times tonight. The only thing I would say to the supporters – and they were unbelievable tonight for us – is they need to show a bit of patience as well.Instead of having that edginess, trust the players, trust their game model and how we work and eventually we can get there.
Instead of having that edginess, trust the players, trust their game model and how we work and eventually we can get there.
Celtic progressed to the play-off round of the Champions League with goals from the penalty spot coming from Leigh Griffiths and Moussa Dembele in the dying minutes of each half.
The game looked destined for extra-time until Dembele – who wasn’t brought on until the 75th minute – showed a moment of magic to win back possession and beat two players before winning a penalty following a one-two with his striker partner.
As a result, Celtic will face either Copenhagen, Dinamo Zagreb, Dundalk, Hapoel Beer Sheva or Ludogorets in the play-off round, with the draw taking place on Friday morning.
Next up for Rodgers’ side will be the league opener on Sunday when they travel to Tynecastle to face Hearts.
Eric Knott 
Aodhán Ó Conchobhair 
