Andy Walker reckons it is a big bonus that Celtic won't have to tackle Champions League qualifiers this summer.
Ange Postecoglou's men earned direct entry to the competition proper after recapturing the Premiership title from Rangers last season.
Joining Europe's elite in the group stages will allow for the Hoops players to gain an extra bit of rest this summer ahead of a huge season at Parkhead.
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Ex-Celtic striker Walker was full of praise for Postecoglou hailing the 'terrific' job he has done in his first 12 months in Glasgow.
He knows European results have been poor over past campaigns and sees that as a good target to try and improve this coming campaign.
He told Sky Sports: "The turnaround in Celtic's fortunes over the last 12 months has been remarkable.
"Ange Postecoglou has done a terrific job.
"I think when you see the success in his recruitment, that took everyone by surprise, so everyone has bought into what Ange Postecoglou is going to do.
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"Clearly he's going to bring in some fresh players to try and make some sort of impact on the Champions League.
"I know that's going to be difficult but I think the big bonus for Celtic this year is that they don't have to go through those Champions League qualifiers.
"The players might get an extra bit of rest and I think that's important for all the challenges ahead."
He added: "Clearly winning the title was a huge boost for everyone but you see what Rangers have done on the European stage and I think Celtic's European results have been really poor so clearly that's where they want to improve.
"It's very difficult at Champions League level but we know now if it doesn't go well you can drop into the Europa League.
"Celtic on the European stage need to improve and that's fair enough, that's a good target for everyone to try and achieve."
