Celtic vs Lazio: We need to be at 100 per cent in Champions League, says Brendan Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers warns his Celtic players they need to be ‘100 per cent’ to get anything out of their Champions League clash with Lazio.

They host the Italian side in their first home match in Group E on Wednesday evening as they look to bounce back from their home fixture 2-0 defeat away to Feyenoord last time out.

The match is sold out at Celtic Park and Rodgers wants his players to use the atmosphere to inspire them to victory.

“To come here and play this match is always special and it is the emotion created by the support that rolls from the stands onto the pitch and that is what we have to use,” he said.

“From the first whistle we go straight into fifth gear and try to give everything to the match and perform.

“We know we have to be 100 percent at this level. With 98 percent at this level you can get away with it.

“We will have to give everything and in terms of spirit we will do it. This is where this team is in what they are developing. I see a mental strength in this team that is constantly growing.”

Celtic ended their last Champions League match in Rotterdam with nine players after Gustaf Lagerbielke and Odin Thiago Holm were sent off, something Rodgers does not want to see again.

“It will help at this level not to lose players off the field,” he added.

“There were many aspects of the first hour that I really enjoyed. We were sad to lose the players, but overall I was happy with the match.

“I think the recipe for us tomorrow, and especially at this level, is courage. You have to be brave, you have to have that courage and that conviction to play how you want to play.”

“I always say these are big faith games, believe in your qualities.

“If we can play with that belief and courage, then we have a great chance of achieving results.”

Cameron Carter-Vickers could be in line for a surprise recall against Lazio despite not playing since picking up a hamstring injury against Aberdeen on August 13.

With Lagerbielke missing due to suspension after his red card against Feyenoord, and Maik Nawrocki and Stephen Welsh still out through injury, Rodgers has limited options in central defense.

Liam Scales will remain in the team following his impressive recent form, while on-loan Liverpool player Nat Phillips is available after coming off the bench for Motherwell on Saturday to make his first appearance since suffering an ankle injury on his debut against Dundee on 16 September.

Rodgers said: “Cam, we wouldn’t take any chances unless he was fit. He came through very well. He’s further down the road than we thought.

“He had a very good training week and before that he did a lot of other training on the field.

“I said before that it (his return) might have been after the international break but he has made great progress so we will just assess that to see if he can play for the team tomorrow and if so then Of course that would be the case.” Good news for us.”

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