COMMENT By Will Butcher

Brendan Rodgers will have been given a huge confidence boost ahead of Celtic's tricky Champions League tie against Rosenborg on Wednesday, as his Hoops side smashed Sunderland 5-0.

The Scottish champions were in complete control throughout the 90 minutes at the Stadium of Light, that saw Kieran Tierney lift the Dafabet Cup after being given the captain's armband.

A hat-trick from one of Tierney's fellow Celtic academy product Callum McGregor was a highlight of a sensational performance against a side that are in the promotion mix in England's second tier.

New signing Jonny Hayes and Stuart Armstrong also found the back of the net as Celtic sent their travelling fans home happy.

Football Insider examines three talking points from their emphatic victory over Sunderland, including how Rodgers must alter his midfield in the second leg against Rosenborg:

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Ajer could be surprise package of 2017-18

Coming into the side with both Dedryck Boyata and Erik Sviatchenko both out injured, teenage ace Kristoffer Ajer has jumped at the opportunity.

Naturally a central midfielder, the Norwegian star's big frame allows him to ply his trade at the back and he continued to impress after winning the man of the match trophy against Rosenborg last Wednesday.

If the former Start ace continues this kind of form then the 19-year-old could be the Hoops' secret weapon this season in the defence of their Scottish Premiership title.

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Does de Vries deserve second chance?

Veteran goalkeeper de Vries was ostracised right at the start of the 2016-17 season, just a month after signing with the 48-time Scottish champions from Nottingham Forest.

A string of disappointing performances has seen him fail to feature competitively since Celtic's 6-1 win against Kilmarnock on September 24, but he could now return after impressing against Sunderland.

The 36-year-old Dutchman has looked composed during pre-season and with there being plenty of scrutiny surrounding Gordon, de Vries could worm his way back between the sticks.

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Midfield reshuffle: Rodgers must switch to 4-3-3

It is impossible to overlook McGregor after his inch-perfect performance against Sunderland, that saw him score two quick-fire goals before completing his hat-trick from the penalty spot.

The 24-year-old must now be given the chance from the off against Rosenborg on Wednesday, which would see Rodgers change from his 4-2-3-1.

Starting with a 4-3-3 system, the former Liverpool boss should partner McGregor with captain Scott Brown and new signing Oliver Ntcham, while giving Armstrong a role in the front three.

The midfielder will be in buoyant mood with confidence coursing through his veins, and that could just be the difference that will see Celtic reach the Champions League group stages.

In other Celtic news, Anthony Ralston has given this verdict on the Bhoys' performance against Sunderland.

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