We can KO Kairat but squad isn't CL class yet

BRENDAN RODGERS admits his Celtic squad is not yet ready for the Champions League - but it is strong enough to kill off Kairat Almaty.

- MICHAEL GANNON

The Hoops will face the Kazakh champs in tonight's £40million play-off showdown having failed to land quality replacements for departed Kyogo and Nicolas Kuhn and injured Jota.

Rodgers refused to rule out linking up with Leicester legend Jamie Vardy with the 38-year-old free agent understood to be keen on a move to Parkhead.

The Celtic boss admits he wanted reinforcements on board before the Kairat clash. But he is convinced there is enough quality on board to get the job done.

Rodgers was tight-lipped on Vardy and said: "I would not speak about any individual player.

"Of course I've worked really well with Jamie. He was brilliant for me in my time at Leicester. But no, there's been so many names floated about. But I wouldn't disclose anyone." Rodgers's focus is on Kairat but he admits Celtic would need to tool up for the group stage.

He said: "Firstly, we want to qualify, of course. And if it's with this group of players I'm confident that we can do that.