Football news - Celtic win at Rosenborg to boost qualification hopes

Scott Sinclair headed home the winner in the first half as Celtic secured a merited 1-0 victory at Rosenborg to leave the Scottish champions on the verge of the last 32.

Sinclair converted a delightful cross by Scotland winger James Forrest on 42 minutes to give Brendan Rodgers' side three points from Trondheim that flattered the home team such was Celtic's dominance.

With RB Salzburg winning Group B after a 1-0 home success against RB Leipzig, the Glasgow side only need a draw at home to Salzburg on Thursday December 13 to secure a last-32 spot even if Leipzig defeat pointless Norwegian title winners Rosenborg in their final match.

Before what is sure to be a big European night in Glasgow on December 13, Celtic play Aberdeen in the League Cup final at Hampden Park on Sunday.

The Hoops are looking to clinch the first part of what they hope will be a domestic treble-treble and, on current form, it will take a mighty Dons effort to upset the odds.

For the penultimate Europa League encounter, fit-again midfielder Tom Rogic replaced Olivier Ntcham, who dropped to the bench along with returning skipper Scott Brown.

With the Norwegian Cup final against Stromsgodset on Sunday to look forward to and his side effectively out of the Europa League after four defeats, Rosenborg boss Rini Coolen was aiming to be “smart” with regards the use of his squad.

But he started with arguably his strongest side, including former Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner.

Celtic got the goal their dominance deserved three minutes from the break when Forrest picked Sinclair out with a delightful cross to the back post, leaving the Englishman to head in from three yards out.

The home side looked more lively at the start of the second half, with Celtic centre-back Filip Benkovic cutting out a dangerous Birger Meling cross, a reminder that there was still work to be done.

Celtic continued to find their way to the edge of the Rosenborg penalty area but all too often the final pass was delayed or wayward.