Brendan Rodgers on the Celtic Champions League 'what if' cleared during second coming as he revisits early hurdles

It might be roasting in Japan but it’s pretty cool for Brendan Rodgers to be chilling in the Far East rather than fighting fires in the Champions League at this time.

The thermometers will top 35 degrees this week as the Hoops take on Yokohama F Marinos and Gamba Osaka in bounce games. However, it’s nothing like the heat Rodgers had to deal with previously. The Irishman has comfortably slotted back into Parkhead and it feels like old times already. He’s delighted some things have changed though – like automatic qualification for the Champions League.

Rodgers had to jump through Hoops to get there last time. It took a heck of a lot to rattle such an experienced boss but negotiating four qualifiers came close. There was a slight shudder when Record Sport brought it up. Twice Rodgers dragged Celtic to the Promised Land – but even those occasions took years off the punters, and presumably the manager too.

Celtic are going for glory once more as they embark on a new era.

Brendan Rodgers is back as manager as the Treble winners target another season of domination in Scotland and a shot at glory in the Champions League. Brendan’s Bhoys will be rubbing shoulders with the best in Europe and leading the way in Scotland as they try to win a third successive championship. And the Daily Record have produced a stunning new souvenir guide to Celtic ’s season packed with unmissable features and analysis.

This unmissable guide is bursting with info for the campaign to come including exclusive columns from Chris Sutton and Keith Jackson, fabulous features on hero hitman Kyogo, talismanic skipper Callum McGregor and returning boss Rodgers. Plus there’s a review of last season’s magnificent Treble with key goals, greatest games, a