By support

4th Apr, 2018 | 3:17pm

International manager makes huge prediction for Celtic in Europe

Former Celtic Martin O’Neill boss believes that if given time Brendan Rodgers can make a massive impact in Europe.

Rodgers has managed to get side to the Champions League group stages in both of his seasons in charge of the Parkhead club, who also reached the last 32 of the Europa League this season.

O’Neill, who memorably reached the final of the UEFA Cup with the Hoops in 2003, has claimed that the current Hoops boss will address the issues which affect his team when coming up against the best in Europe.

“I have no doubt in time that Brendan will get Celtic to that level in Europe. He will look to address what needs to be done” O’Neill said, as quoted by the Herald.

“It is tough because the co-efficient is so stacked against you. If you are in Pot 4 then you know that you are coming up against some pretty stellar, elite teams. Over time and in the next few seasons I would fully expect Brendan to make inroads into that.”

The biggest issue facing Rodgers in the short-term is the battle to qualify for next season’s Champions League, which will see the Hoops now facing four rounds of qualifying to reach the lucrative group stages, beginning in July.

Football Insider verdict

The former Hoops boss might not be 100% correct here, as Rodgers has shown in the past that when it comes to Europe he is unwilling to change his style of play, which has lead to some heavy defeats in the Champions League in his time in Glasgow. The Hoops’ biggest problem on the pitch when it comes to the Champions league is their defence, but it doesn’t seem likely that Rodgers will look to bring in two centre-backs during the summer to solve the problems. If the Hoops qualify for the Champions League hopefully they will spend the money which will allow them to go a way towards solving the problems they have encountered in Europe.

In other Celtic news, Kieran Tierney is expected to be back in action soon