Excitements trumps trepidation as Celtic set for European opener

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers claims excitement has wiped out any trepidation ahead of their Champions League opener.

The Scottish champions begin their European campaign against Feyenoord in Rotterdam on Tuesday (live on RTÉ2).

Rodgers' side warmed up with a 3-0 win over Dundee which took them two points clear at the top of the cinch Premiership on Saturday but there were further signs they are still finding their rhythm under Rodgers during a goalless first half when Joe Hart made an impressive save from Luke McCowan.

Rodgers, whose side also face Lazio and Atletico Madrid in the group stage, said: "It's a really exciting time. I know there always can be a wee bit of trepidation going into the Champions League and the level, but for me there is nothing but excitement.

"It's a brilliant opportunity for us playing in the elite competition in European club football.

"We are going to a real historical ground. We are coming off the back of a couple of really good wins in different ways.

"We will recover well, we will get our plan right and we will put out a team to get a result.

"We are really going to enjoy the Champions League. Listen, they are the Dutch champions so they will be a very good side."

Daizen Maeda had a goal ruled out for offside and Matt O'Riley hit the post with a deflected effort but Celtic otherwise struggled to get in behind Dundee during the first half.

The breakthrough came in the 51st minute when David Turnbull netted a penalty after getting himself in the way of Ryan Howley's over-eager attempts to win the ball on the edge of the box.

Celtic stepped up the tempo and Kyogo Furuhashi headed home before setting up O'Riley to round off the scoring midway through the half.

Rodgers had handed Nat Phillips a debut