BOARD RIGID

Stuttering Celtic struggle to break down Kazakh minnows as furious home fans turn on the men in suits in directors' box

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BRENDAN RODGERS might face an uphill battle convincing the Celtic board to part with their bank card.

But the Hoops boss has an even bigger mountain to climb if he's to unlock the Champions League riches.

Celts were given an Almaty scare at Parkhead last night after being held to a goalless draw by the unknowns from Kazakhstan.

Having seen off Astana and Shakhter Karagandy in previous years, Celtic were heavy favourites to plant one foot in the £40million group stage. No wonder too, when you consider Kairat Almaty only had one Euro adventure - a 2021/22 Conference League appearance when they finished bottom of their group with just two points.

But the Scottish champs won't be packing a home aggregate lead in the suitcase for next week's gruelling 4000-mile trek east as the Glasgow giants gamble throwing away a golden ticket to the revamped league phase.

Rodgers made six changes to the second-string team that dismantled Falkirk 4-1 as his big hitters - including Cameron Carter-Vickers and Benjamin Nygren - were restored to the lineup. The frustrated gaffer has been crying out for signings this summer to bolster his depleted attacking options.

And Celtic's lack of potency was there for all to see as they failed to break down a resolute Kairat Almaty backline - even with 10 minutes of stoppage time.

Now, they stare at the prospect of Europa League football unless they become the first Scottish side to win on Kazakh soil on Tuesday.

AJ INJURY