Why we should hold fire with the salutations for Celtic in the Champions League, writes GARY KEOWN
Why we should hold fire with the salutations for Celtic in the Champions League, writes GARY KEOWN
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Technically, it could be argued that Celtic are in the Champions League knockouts. And there are certainly plenty advancing that argument in the breathless aftermath of their skin-of-the-teeth one-goal win against the worst team in the competition. It’s just not true, though, is it? They’re in a play-off to get to the knockout rounds. The knockout rounds proper, that is.
![[Adam Idah roars in delight as Celtic finally make the breakthrough against Young Boys]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/25/23/94518147-0-image-a-248_1737847357588.jpg)
And amid the stampede to have Sainthood bestowed upon Brendan Rodgers and Callum McGregor nominated to be the next First Minister, perhaps that ought to be remembered. Celtic have done well to secure a place in the top 24 of the new-look league system. There is no question they have made progress in Europe this season — although, given the club’s previous reputation as a punchbag for the continent’s flotsam and jetsam, the only way was up, to be perfectly frank.
![[Kasper Schmeichel was forced to make a number of crucial stops to keep Young Boys at bay]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/25/23/94518093-0-image-a-249_1737847367342.jpg)
The job’s not done yet, though. Getting to this stage, particularly given the run of fixtures that came out of the hat for Celtic, feels more like shooting par than moving mountains. Rodgers was thrilled to progress but must be aware his side had a favourable run of fixtures.
![[McGregor's face says it all as the Celtic skipper reflects on the 7-1 thumping in Dortmund]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/25/23/94518185-0-image-a-250_1737847390653.jpg)
Adam Idah roars in delight as Celtic finally make the breakthrough against Young Boys. Kasper Schmeichel was forced to make a number of crucial stops to keep Young Boys at bay. For this campaign to be a real success — a real exercise in planting the flag after years of being manacled in a cave to be kicked around by the likes of Sparta Prague’s reserve team and Maribor — they need to go one step further and be back mixing it with the elite. Mixing it in the games that really, really matter.
![[Liam Scales' dogged defensive shift summed up a stubborn Celtic display away to Atalanta]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/25/23/94518181-0-image-a-251_1737847407691.jpg)
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