Brendan Rodgers delighted with Celtic response

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has described his side's 5-2 victory over Hapoel Be'er Sheva in the first leg of the Champions League playoff round as a "brilliant result".

The Scottish giants had looked in danger of squandering a three-goal lead before two goals in the final 17 minutes earned the Bhoys a clear advantage ahead of the second leg in Israel.

Rodgers admitted to being disappointed with how his side performed at the start of the second half but was impressed with how his players reacted to being put under pressure.

The Northern Irishman told the club's official website: "It was a brilliant result for us. You would obviously prefer 3-0, but 5-2 shows the level we played at in a European game where everything was riding on it.

"Over the course of the game, in the first-half we were excellent. We pressed them really well, really aggressively. We created opportunities, scored three and could have had more. We started the second-half well and I was pleased but then we had a spell where we defended poorly for about 10-12 minutes and conceded two poor goals.

"Then it goes to 3-2 quickly again, and then there a question is asked of you. We were talking about it before the game and I mentioned it in the press the other day. From 3-2 and then to go on and win 5-2 really shows the mental strength of the players, along with their quality. They are nowhere near the finished article in terms of where I want them to be but they look a really exciting team full of character."

The second leg will take place on August 23.