BRENDAN RODGERS has spoken about respect as he heads into tonight’s game against FC Alashkert.

The Irishman knows full well the pitfalls of taking a team lightly very early on in the season.

Celtic haven’t had their full pre-season yet and will now hope to play eight games in eight weeks to make the Champions League groups stages.

Speaking about his side’s approach to the game, the manager was as pragmatic as ever and is not taking anything for granted.

“In this competition you always have to respect every opponent that you play. Alashkert are a team who have won their domestic league for the last three seasons so we know they are a good team.

“We’ve analysed a number of their games. They are a team who play well in the transition. They have a striker who is fast and when they play from deep his speed makes it difficult for you. They play very compact.

“We know it will be a tough game for us, especially at this time of the season where we are only beginning our preparations and Alashkert are in the middle of their season.

“I think the weather is always going to play a big factor, the temperature back in the UK is hot just now but it’s nowhere near as hot as here.”

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