Brendan Rodgers asks for 'realism' as Celtic draw at Crvena Zvezda, praises 'outstanding' teenager Colby Donovan after Europa League display

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Brendan Rodgers moved to temper expectations on Celtic's Europa League campaign after a 1-1 draw in Belgrade against Crvena Zvevzda. The Northern Irish manager suggested that a point was a decent result for his team, and he added praise for 19-year-old full-back Colby Donovan, who put in an impressive showing in a potentially difficult situation given his lack of first-team experience.

‘Always be criticism’ - Rodgers urges ‘realism’ after Celtic draw against Crvena Zvezda

Video credit: TNT Sports

Brendan Rodgers asked for "realism" around Celtic after his side drew 1-1 at Crvena Zvezda in the Europa League on Wednesday night.

Celtic had a rough start to the match in Serbia, but improved when Rodgers changed things at half-time by introducing new signing Kelechi Iheanacho in place of Daizen Maeda.

Iheanacho scored a well-taken goal on 55 minutes as the visitors looked to have found a far better setup with a physical presence through the middle.

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However, 10 minutes later, experienced Austria international Marko Arnautovic was on hand to equalise for the home side in Belgrade, and the visitors were left to defend fiercely to hold onto a point.

Rodgers’ future has come into question in recent weeks after it became apparent that he wanted more improvements made to the squad in the summer transfer window, but instead had to operate on a relatively limited budget.

One of the consequences of that was the arrival of Iheanacho on a free transfer, and given that context, Rodgers suggested that ambitions should be tempered in Europe.

Speaking to TNT Sports after the draw, he was asked what needed to improve from his side, and he suggested that sharing the points was a good result considering the players he has at his disposal.

He said: "I think there needs to be a bit of realism. We are where we are. Tonight is a good point. You’re not going to win all eight games, so a bit of realism. This is a good point for this squad coming here.

"We’ve now got two really [important] home games to push forward."

Watch: Iheanacho pounces to give Celtic the lead

Video credit: TNT Sports

Rodgers praises ‘outstanding’ Donovan

While the Celtic chief was circumspect about how much the side could improve, he was nevertheless delighted with the progress of 19-year-old full-back Colby Donovan.

Donovan put in another accomplished performance for the Hoops, with the 19-year-old looking settled in what can be an intimidating venue.

Asked how impressed he had been by Donovan, Rodgers was full of praise for his ability and personality.

He said: "I thought he was absolutely outstanding. I said to the players after, I thought he was incredible for a young player making his fourth or fifth start for us. To play to that level in such a tough stadium [and he's] just turned 19, he’s got personality.

"He’s not frightened of anything. He comes into the game, he takes the ball. He passes the ball forward. He runs forward. He’s aggressive . He trains to that level every day. I’m so happy for him. He stepped in, and he’s obviously been playing consistently. To come here and play like that was absolutely outstanding."

Celtic have two home games in their next Europa League ties. First up is Braga on Thursday, October 2, before they host SK Sturm Graz on October 23.

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