Players react to Champions League progression

Celtic’s players have given their reaction to last night’s game and progressing to the group stages of the Champions League.

Hapoel Be’er Sheva scored twice in the game but couldn’t find a decisive third goal and will have to settle for the Europa League despite a spirited performance.

Brendan Rodgers spoke of his delight after Celtic progressed, which will see them earn at least £30 million in the group stages, on top of the £7.5 million already earned from the ICC.

Several players were also interviewed after the game, as quoted by Celtic’s official twitter page.

Youngster Kieran Tierney said:

That was madness but all that matters is we’re through. It was nervous for everybody & must have been dreadful for the fans for the last half hour but we’re through & that’s what matters.

Celtic captain Scott Brown added:

It was hard but we dug deep and the main thing was getting to the Champions League. We deserve to be there after a couple of hard seasons but we’re there now. We’ll take anyone.

Callum McGregor praised the home side, saying:

The character was excellent to come through it. Big credit to Be’er Sheva, they threw everything at us.

Players took to Twitter after the game to give their views on the night.

Twitter: What a night the result didn’t go are way but we got the job done, thanks to all the fans and safe trip home! #championsleaguebaby #celticfc (@Scotty_Sinclair)

Twitter: Tonight was all about getting through the tie, result wasn’t what we wanted, as was the performance, but we did. We’re back. BUZZING!!! ???? (@Leighgriff09)

Twitter: Champions league here we come !! ???? (@patrick7roberts)

Twitter: Surprise surprise Bhoys the Champions League is back ! Bringing the Hoops where they belong to… @celticfc ?? https://t.co/OqgjPFKqkb (@MDembele_10)

Despite an abject performance and losing to Hapoel Be’er Sheva, the Hoops’ demolition of the Israeli side in the first leg saw them progress to Thursday’s draw.

The Hoops started the game poorly and conceded a penalty for a clumsy foul that was outside the area by Saidy Janko – who struggled all night at Turner Stadium.

Craig Gordon saved the resulting penalty but the two were involved again in the second half in another calamitous moment to gift Hapoel Be’er Sheva a second goal.