Brendan Rodgers hails "very pleasing" Celtic win over Alashkert FC

Brendan Rodgers has hailed Celtic's "very pleasing" 3-0 win over Alashkert FC in Tuesday's Champions League first qualifying round first leg in Yerevan.

Goals from Odsonne Edouard, James Forrest and Callum McGregor in sweltering conditions gave the Scottish Premiership champions an emphatic advantage in the tie.

Rodgers believes that Celtic were particularly impressive as they triumphed over their opponents in such testing conditions, but admits that there is "a long way to go" before the Hoops are in top gear.

"It was very pleasing because, of the three first-round ties we have played, that was the most difficult," the Northern Irishman told BBC Sport.

"To play in that heat and end up controlling the game was pleasing. We concentrated well and scored three very good goals.

"We have a long way to go to get to full capacity, but they kept pushing and got their rewards."

The second leg of the tie takes place at Celtic Park on Wednesday, July 18.