Former Celtic star Charlie Nicholas insists only four of Ange Postecoglou's squad have earned their stripes at Champions League level.
And the 60-year-old has challenged Jota, Kyogo, Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda to prove their worth with a stirring send-off against Real Madrid in the Bernabeu. Nicholas has no doubts over Joe Hart, Callum McGregor, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Josip Juranovic, however, he believes the jury remains out on the rest of the squad with no victories in Group F. Postecoglou's gung-ho approach has been praised but results have not followed against Madrid, Leipzig and Shakhtar
Nicholas has challenged star man Jota to replicate his stirring domestic form in European football's premier competition and leave Carlo Ancelotti's men with something to think about to help Celtic to their first win of the group stage at the final attempt. Speaking in his Express column, he said: "Jota has yet to prove he belongs at Champions League level. That might seem a bit harsh on the Celtic winger as he has missed the last two Group F outings with injury and we all know what a top match-winner he can be on his day, but I'd just love to see it in the Champions League.
"In my view, Ange Postecoglou only has four players who are established at this level in Europe - Joe Hart, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Josip Juranovic and Callum McGregor.
"I don't think Matt O'Riley is too far away and if he continues to progress he will hit those heights. But as well as Jota, the jury is out on Japanese trio Kyogo Furuhashi, Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda. There is no question these guys are top players for Celtic in domestic competitions but question marks will remain until they are doing the business on a regular basis in the Champions League.
"There have been fleeting moments here in this season's games against Real Madrid, RB Leipzig and Shakhtar Donetsk but they need to bring more and truly deliver in this competition. I certainly believe they all have the ability and potential - but it is about them showing it. They need to use tomorrow's group curtain-closer against Real to prove to their manager that they are good enough to help Celtic take the next step in the Champions League."
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