Martin O”Neill reckons the whole of Europe has taken notice of the Rangers resurgence – and Celtic should use Gers as inspiration to crack the continent.
The former Hoops boss was blown away by the Ibrox side’s charge to the Europa League Final as Gio van Bronckhorst ’s troops came within a whisker of winning the trophy.
O”Neill knows the pain being felt in Govan having led Celts to the UEFA Cup showpiece in 2003 before agonisingly going down to Joe Mourinho’s Porto in extra-time.
The Treble winning gaffer is now looking for his old club to make an impression on the big stage next term after Postecoglou’s stunning Premiership success in his debut season in Scotland.
And O’Neill believes the Aussie should be looking across the city for proof Scottish clubs can compete with the best.
The Northern Irishman said: “Can I say this? I’m not being sycophantic to Rangers here but it’s been a brilliant effort by them.
“They made everybody in Europe sit up and it’s been a fantastic boost for Scottish football, which has been needing one for a wee while.
“However, I believe that Celtic’s problems in Europe this season can be addressed.
“Going straight into the group stage of the Champions League will be a massive help in every respect, particularly on the financial side and I think they probably need to strengthen the playing side if they’re going to get out of their group.
“That’s very difficult in itself but there’s absolutely no doubt that Celtic can improve in Europe.
“Rangers have given them the lead this year so why can’t Celtic do it?
“Now that Celtic have got things up and running, the manager has got control of the football side of things and is doing really well there’s no reason why they can’t contest it.
“Of course, if they go into the Champions League this year the likelihood is that they’ll be third or fourth seeds so they’ll have at least two formidable opponents above them but that shouldn’t be a big concern – it’s about being in there, first of all.”
