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Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers braced for another thorough Champions League exam against Man City

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers
Image: Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is expecting another tough test against Man City

Brendan Rodgers is under no illusions as to the size of the task his Celtic side face when they tackle Manchester City on Wednesday night.

The Hoops were beaten 7-0 by Barcelona in their Champions League Group C opener and match day two sees them host Pep Guardiola's in-form side, who have won their first 10 games in all competitions this season.

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Rodgers, who confirmed that Craig Gordon would take over in goal from the "not 100 per cent" Dorus de Vries in goal, welcomes the test that the early Premier League pacesetters will provide.

"It is really exciting," said the former Swansea and Liverpool boss. "But Man City are a top team, everyone can see that clearly, they have that world-class ability, great individuals who are working hard.

"We know we have to bring our A game to have any chance and that is something hopefully we can do. The reality is if they bring their A game and we bring ours, they win.

Celtic's Moussa Dembele (left) celebrates his side's second with Scott Sinclair
Image: Moussa Dembele (left) and Scott Sinclair have been in fine form for Celtic

"I have watched them in the last four or five seasons and they have always had an outstanding group of players, winning leagues and cups. But the level of play has gone up since Pep has come in.

"The intensity has gone up and they are a team working with one idea and they are a hard team to contain. We know it is going to be a difficult night but we know it is going to be a difficult night for them."

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Manchester City's English midfielder Raheem Sterling (L) slots the ball past Swansea City's Polish goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski (R) to score their third goa
Image: Rodgers was full of praise for his former protege Raheem Sterling (L) seen here scoring against Swansea

Rodgers is hoping Raheem Sterling, who has rediscovered his form since Guardiola arrived in the summer, has an off night.

The Northern Irishman gave the winger his debut at Liverpool at the age of 17 and Sterling went on to move to City in 2015 for a deal reportedly worth £49m.

"I have been so proud to watch him this season to the level that he has been at," said Rodgers. "I am absolutely delighted for him.

"So I am looking forward to seeing him - hopefully he doesn't play so well - but at this moment in time he is in great form."

Rodgers explained why Gordon was given the nod in goal, saying: "Craig Gordon will start. I pick the team to come in and play. Dorus isn't 100 per cent. He is still a bit sore but he is fine.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - APRIL 17:  Craig Gordon of Celtic gestures during the Scottish Cup Semi Final between Rangers and Celtic at Hampden Park on April 17, 2
Image: Craig Gordon will return in goal Celtic against City

"There is no need to take any risk in a game like this when I have an outstanding goalkeeper beside him so Craig will play."

Celtic skipper Scott Brown admits Celtic need to rediscover their self-belief if they are to get a positive result against City.

He said: "We've got to get that (Barca) out of our mind early. We need to show how good we are individually and as a team. If we can prove a point tomorrow night that will be good for us.

Skipper Scott Brown says Celtic will be out to prove a point
Image: Skipper Scott Brown says Celtic will be out to prove a point

"We'll try to frustrate them more than anything. We've done that to teams here before and it's more belief than anything.

"We need to believe in our ability and show that we can play under pressure."

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