Ally McCoist has backed Celtic to qualify from their Champions League group, despite their defeat to Feyenoord in the opening round of matches.

Brendan Rodgers side suffered a 2-0 defeat in Holland, with Gustaf Lagerbielke and Odin Thiago Holm both seeing red in the European clash.

McCoist felt Celtic were unlucky in the fixture, but he has told fans to get behind their team to make Parkhead a fortress in the group stage.

Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: "The general consensus was the keeper was at fault.

"Their away form is really poor, particularly opening games in the group section, however, for Celtic to have any impact on that group then Celtic Park is going to have to be buzzing. They are capable of doing it, we've seen it in the past."

Celtic manager Rodgers was positive despite the defeat to Feyenoord. He said: “We showed in the game that for this tournament we are going to be competitive.

“We started really, really well, for the first 60 minutes the game was very close. I thought we looked a threat and progressed the ball well into the final third. Maybe with better decision-making and releasing the pass we would have given ourselves the opportunity to get in front.

“I’m disappointed with the first goal, we should never be conceding that, especially at that moment.

“But it was even for 60 minutes and unfortunately we got two players sent off. It’s really difficult at this level with 11 against 11, but with 11 v nine, it’s difficult.

“But I have to applaud the players for their spirit and mentality, they kept going. It was harsh on them.”

Rodgers felt both red cards should have been avoided. Lagerbielke received a second yellow after catching Igor Paixao in the throat with his arm as he tried to jockey the forward. Holm was shown a straight red card for lunging in to a high tackle.

Rodgers said: “With Gustaf, there was no drama. The ball was running through to the goalkeeper. I think it’s inexperience, just let the ball run through. I still thought it was a bit harsh but I can maybe see why the referee gave it. But we can avoid that situation for sure.

“The second one, he is young and committed but at this level you can’t go to ground. When I saw it back, his foot is up. At this level you get punished for that.

“Obviously they are bitterly disappointed afterwards, their first experiences of games at this level. They will learn from it.

“Gustaf had done well up to that point, two inexperienced centre-backs – I thought Liam Scales was outstanding and Gustaf had been coping well.”