Celtic winger James Forrest has said that improved fitness was one of the factors behind his side's comprehensive win over Hapoel Be'er Sheva in the Champions League play-off first leg.

The Scottish champions were 5-2 winners in the home leg, giving them a strong chance of being in the draw for the group stage after failing at the same stage last season.

Forrest said that the team were in better shape physically since manager Brendan Rodgers took over and credited that, and character, with the team's ability to overcome a difficult spell at the beginning of the second half, when they conceded two goals.

"It was unbelievable," he said. "The first half, we couldn't ask for any better than going in at 3-0.

"Five minute's loss of concentration means we lose two goals and it just shows you what the Champions League can do but we dug in, got another two goals which was really important.

"We're a different team. We feel fitter and stronger and it was good for the boys to dig in and show that we could get a good result to take over there."

The winger, who recently signed a new contract with the club, said memories of previous group stage campaigns were in his mind but said there was still a tough second leg in Israel to negotiate.

"I've been involved twice getting into the Champions League and there's nothing better than getting big clubs here," he said.

"We don't want to think about that just yet, it's only half time. We've still got a big job to do over there."

Moussa Dembele scored one of the goals that put Celtic in a strong position ahead of the second leg and he said the team's attacking performance meant there was no reason why there couldn't be a repeat in Israel next week.

"It was a crazy one," he said. "I think we let ourselves down a little bit at the beginning of the second half but we came back in the game and won so that's what's important.

"When I came on I just thought 'I have to give 100%' and when I give 100% I know that I can bring something to the team and that's what I've done.

"This game is gone and now we have to be focused on next week's game and hopefully we can go there and win the game. If we play like we can then there's no reason why we can't win the game."

Celtic again had Dembele and Leigh Griffiths to thank for goals in a crucial match but the forward played down their exploits as part of the team effort.

"It's important for the team to have a few people who can score goals and we have this," he said."We're just here to help the team and we are goalscorers so it's good for the team and good for the confidence."