James Forrest insists Celtic ‘will be stronger’ in second-leg of Champions League qualifier against Alashkert after comfortable win in Armenia
- Celtic easily overcame Alashkert 3-0 in the first-leg qualifier on Tuesday night
- Odsonne Edouard, James Forrest and Callum McGregor got on the scoresheet
- Brendan Rodgers’ side need to negotiate four qualifying rounds this year
James Forrest believes Celtic will be stronger in next week’s Champions League qualifier following their 3-0 first-leg win over Alashkert on Tuesday night.
In the searing heat in Yerevan, the Scottish champions put themselves into a commanding position ahead of the return match in Glasgow thanks to goals from French striker Odsonne Edouard, winger Forrest and midfielder Callum McGregor.
Brendan Rodgers’ side need to negotiate four qualifying rounds this year to reach the lucrative and prestigious group stages for the third year running.
James Forrest scored as Celtic beat Alashkert 3-0 on Tuesday in Champions League qualifier
At Celtic Park next Wednesday night, the Hoops will, barring a remarkable turnaround by the champions of Armenia, book their place in the second qualifier against Valur Reykjavik or Rosenborg.
Forrest acknowledged the importance of Celtic’s two late goals – he scored in the 81st minute before setting up McGregor for his 90th minute strike – and believes they can build on that performance at Parkhead.
‘We finished the game strong,’ he told BBC Scotland. ‘We got another two goals and I think we could have scored another couple as well so I’m glad we kept the clean sheet and we will take that into next week and I think we will be stronger as well.
‘We knew how hot it was going to be.
‘We couldn’t play the way we normally do but I think that was good for our confidence, to show we can go out in different conditions and play good football and it was good to get the three goals to take into next week.’
The Scottish champions need to negotiate four qualifying rounds to reach Champions League
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