Gary Lineker on Celtic’s big night as Leicester reminded what they had in Brendan

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The Celtic Star

·26. Januar 2025

Gary Lineker on Celtic’s big night as Leicester reminded what they had in Brendan

Gary Lineker has commented on Celtic’s qualification into the UEFA Champions League knockout rounds…

Adam Idah celebrates with Callum McGregor after Loris Benito of BSC Young Boys concedes an own goal during the UEFA Champions League match between Celtic FC and BSC Young Boys at Celtic Park on January 22, 2025.(Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Celtic had to dig deep in the second half to see of Young Boys, despite having the ball in the net three times and missing a penalty in the first half.

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The MOTD Presenter and The Rest is Football Host told his podcast with Micah Richards and Alan Shearer about the dramatic scenes under the lights on Wednesday night, while praising Celtic’s No.1 Kasper Schmeichel.

“Wow, big night for Celtic. It was a game that they knew if they won they were almost certain to qualify for the playoff stage. While they left it late, they had loads of chances. Having said that, Kasper Schmeichel pulled off two or three absolutely fantastic saves from the great man. And Celtic got their victory.

UEFA Champions League 2024 2025, Celtic Glasgow vs Young Boys Bern YB Celtic Park. Kasper Schmeichel cheers Celtic’s 1- 0 victory. Photo JOERAN STEINSIEK (IMAGO)

“And well, the crowd went mad when they scored, because they had a few misses particularly in the first half.”

Reo Hatate’s pass was world class

There was certainly a sense of relief when the ball found the net in the 86th minute. Celtic had looked leggy in the second half with YB looking perhaps more likely. The turn of pace from Reo Hatate and the pass to send Adam Idah through was world class, which forced the winner.

Brendan Rodgers applauds the fans after the UEFA Champions League match between Celtic FC and BSC Young Boys at Celtic Park on January 22, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Lineker continued by praising Rodgers and remarking about the Leicester City fans that wanted him out during their 2022-23 campaign as they wrestled FFP restraints.

“We had a top-class manager then. Be careful what you wish for”

“A brilliant result for Brendan Rodgers and a reminder to all those Leicester fans that wanted to get him out.

“We had a top-class manager then. Be careful what you wish for.”

Callum McGregor celebrates with his Celtic teammates after winning during the UEFA Champions League match between Celtic FC and BSC Young Boys at Celtic Park on January 22, 2025 Photo JustPictures.ch/Richard Callis. IMAGO

Villa Park next for Brendan Rodgers and his Celtic team

Leicester are toiling at the bottom of the Premier League, sitting just one place above the foot of the table. Despite winning against Ange Postecoglou’s injury hit Spurs, The Foxes are in a perilous position and could be sent straight back down.

Rodgers will be keen on taking a result against Villa when the sides meet on Wednesday in the final game of the league phase. The Irishman will be pleased to have already secured his side’s place in Friday’s draw but will target an upset on his return to the Midlands.

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