Brendan Rodgers insists Celtic are ready for the challenge of taking on the mighty Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in the Champions League knockout phase playoff.

Celtic FC Manager Brendan spoke to the media following The Bhoys' 4-2 loss away in the UEFA Champions League against Aston Villa. Full Press Conference Courtesy of UEFA.

Brendan Rodgers is relishing the prospect of leading Celtic into a Champions League play-off tie against European giants Real Madrid or Bayern Munich. Celtic will take on either the defending champions or the German giants in the play-off round of the UEFA Champions League after Wednesday night's 4-2 loss away to Aston Villa in their final Champions League first phase match.

Brendan Rodgers said was proud of Celtic's performance at Villa Park even though a 4-2 defeat condemned them to a play-off tie against one of the giants of European football.

Morgan Rogers hit a hat-trick and Ollie Watkins showed exactly why Arsenal want to sign him as Aston Villa went through to the last 16 of the Champions League after a thrilling win over Celtic.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has named his side to face Aston Villa in the final Champions League group phase game. The Scottish champions have already guaranteed themselves a place in at least the play-off phase of the elite competition but still have a slim chance of breaking into the top eight and taking direct entry to the last 16.

One of Brendan Rodgers’ objectives on returning to Paradise was to see improvement on the European stage for Celtic. And his team has continued to grow at that level, witnessed by this season’s

Celtic travel to Villa Park safe in the knowledge of progression to the knock-out round after beating Young Boys in their penultimate league phase game.

THE January transfer window is heating up with some MAJOR moves in the pipeline as Deadline Day quickly approaches. Arsenal are reportedly readying their second bid for Aston Villa’s England

Brendan Rodgers made no secret of the fact Celtic need reinforcements before their next Champions League challenge as he spoke of his pride despite going down to Aston Villa in their final league phase game.

Brendan Rodgers has continually overlooked Luis Palma this season and his future could be away from Celtic. Olympiacos want to open their door for the winger in the winter market, according to To10.gr.