Rodgers: Celtic will learn after exit from European competition

Glasgow - Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers said the experience of competing against some of the best players in Europe would prove invaluable for his young side after its Champions League exit.

Rodgers looked on from the touchline as Lionel Messi inspired Barcelona to a 2-0 win over the Scottish champion at Celtic Park on Wednesday to book its place in the last 16.

Celtic can no longer secure even the consolation of a Europa League berth, but Rodgers said his side would learn a lot of lessons from its foray into Europe's elite competition following a two-year absence.

"First and foremost, the challenge was getting into the Champions League," said Rodgers, whose side visits Manchester City in its final group game next month.

"Celtic had gone a period of time without qualifying, so we made a huge effort in the summer to qualify.

"There is still one game to go in the competition, but this experience was always going to be invaluable to us. We've got some young players in the team who are going to improve thanks to this.

"I think if you look at the first game (Celtic's 7-0 loss at Barcelona) compared to tonight (Wednesday), we weren't fearful tonight. They pressed well and tactically the players improved.

"It's just about maintaining that standard. They've played three of the best teams in Europe during the course of this competition and we've gradually got better with each game."

Messi, who missed Saturday's goalless draw with Malaga due to illness, provided a fine finish to Neymar's lofted pass to hand Barcelona a 24th-minute lead.

The Barcelona captain - who grabbed a hat-trick in the 7-0 mauling in the reverse fixture - then converted a 56th-minute penalty won by Luis Suarez, leaving his side top of Group C with 12 points from five games.

However, Rodgers, who managed Suarez at Liverpool, felt his former player had conned referee Daniele Orsato.

"I didn't think it was a penalty. What Luis is brilliant at is around the box he provokes the defenders," Rodgers said.

"I think that he's leaning into Emilio Izaguirre, who is trying to fight for his space. And what Luis is clever at is he grabs hold of the defender and spins round and it looks like he's been pulled to the ground.

"It was a key moment in the game as at the start of the second half we were pressing and we were winning the ball and the momentum was clearly with us."