Rodgers says Celtic will rise to the challenge of facing Real Madrid or Bayern Munich as he reveals pride for his stars

BRENDAN RODGERS says Celtic will rise to the challenge of facing Euro giants Real Madrid or Bayern Munich next in the Champions League. Celts lost 4-2 to Aston Villa tonight. 1 Rodgers speaking after the game at Villa Park Credit: Getty And they’ll find out on Friday whether it’s the Spanish or German cracks in the play-off for the last 16 .

And Rodgers said: “We know it’s Real or Bayern in the next round and that will be a huge challenge. “But we are building confidence and we know that we can make it hard for the top teams. “It’s a great reward for the club but whoever we play will be a top team.



” read more celtic stories ASTON VILLA 4 CELTIC 2 Rogers nets hat-trick with Hoops bound for glamour play-off clash MEGA OFFER Get £50 in free bets to spend on football when you stake £10 with Betfred Celts were 2-0 down inside just five minutes to Villa with Morgan Rogers netting twice. But striker Adam Idah hauled Rodgers’ side back into it with a double of his own. Ollie Watkins then fired Unai Emery’s side ahead before Rogers sealed his hat-trick in stoppage time.

The Hoops boss added: “It was a great game to be involved in. Most read in Sport ASTON VILLA 4 CELTIC 2 Rogers nets hat-trick with Hoops bound for glamour play-off clash BLOCKBUSTER SHOWDOWN Celtic learn play-off fate with Hoops guaranteed to face Euro giants PALM OFF £3.5m Celtic star closing in on transfer move to European giants FAN CHAOS Shock moment Aston Villa and Celtic fans clash before UCL tie as flares launched “The word that comes into my head at the moment right now is pride .

“We were up against a team that’s been at the highest level of the Premier League . Shock moment Aston Villa & Celtic fans clash before Champions League showdown as FLARE launched towards home supporters “But we played with so much courage in the game. “We actually started the game well and showed confidence and authority with the ball.

“But they got the first goal and then a quick second goal. “Then there was a question asked of us as a team, in terms of spirit, mentality and character - everything about you at this level. “But the players continued to play and we got in contention.

“We got our aggression back in the game and that gave us the opportunity. “Obviously we scored two very good goals and then took thew game to injury time with it in the balance. So it was a great effort by the players.

How they rated Kasper Schmeichel No chance with Villa’s first and third goals, and deflection beat him for the second. Produced a trio of massive saves in the second half before last-gasp goal.7 Alistair Johnston Caught out for Villa’s quickfire opener but made a crucial clearance off the line at 2-0.

Decent interceptions after the break amid waves of attacks from hosts.6 Auston Trusty Ended up far too deep at Villa’s third and then gave away a soft penalty after tangling with Watkins. Asked to defend one v one constantly in a tough test.

5 Liam Scales Irishman replaced the crocked Cameron Carter-Vickers and settled after the crazy opening. Produced some good blocks but struggled with Villa’s movement as they created a string of chances.5 Greg Taylor Terrific run and cross for Celtic’s first goal but tough shift defensively.

Missed Daizen Maeda’s work and running power ahead of him but tried to help Yang.6 Callum McGregor Tough opening like the rest of the Celtic team but grew into the game and was influential as they levelled. Tried to lift them again at 3-2 but to no avail.

7 Reo Hatate Fluffed a great chance in poor start but the little midfielder was then heavily involved in Adam Idah’s two goals and almost made it 3-3 with a curler.7 Arne Engels Sublime flick in the build-up to Idah’s second goal. The Belgian youngster put himself about in a good battle with compatriot Youri Tielemans before being subbed.

6 Nicolas Kuhn Pace unsettled Lucas Digne early on and he flashed a decent effort wide. Always available, positive on the ball and did a defensive shift too.7 Adam Idah Huge chance to shine after Kyogo Furuhashi’s exit and he grabbed it with two terrific strikes.

Big man led the line well before tiring and being forced off.8 Yang Hyun-jun South Korean winger replaced the banned Maeda and looked lost at times. Had a role in Celtic’s first goal and worked hard but not at the level required.

5 SUBS PAULO BERNARDO (3) on for the last 20 for the tiring Engels. LUIS PALMA (3) about to sign for Olympiacos but replaced Yang. DANIEL CUMMINGS (3) kid striker came on for a memorable debut.

LUKE McCOWAN (2) replaced Hatate late. DANE MURRAY (2) young stopper was at fault for Villa's fourth. ”We end up disappointed to lose.

“But we played a big part in a really good game. “We were really competitive at this level. “Over the course of the eight games, we have qualitied on merit and shown some great football along the way.

“Aston Villa hadn’t conceded a goal here in the Champions League but we carried a threat all night. Celtic and Aston Villa fans fight in shocking scenes at Champions League clash “It’s’ just unfortunate that we lost the fourth goal late on. “We have learned along the way.

"I was proud of the players as that game could have got away from them.” Celts face a UEFA sweat after a smoke bomb was thrown onto the pitch. Read more on the Scottish Sun MONIKER MISERY I've had my dream baby names picked for years - but now I live in Scotland DON'T BANK ON IT The three Bank of Scotland branches set to close across country in weeks But it’s unclear whether it’ll be included in the delegate’s report and lead to a fan ban.

Rodgers added “I’m not even thinking about that, I’m just thinking about football.” Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page.