Former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan believes Rangers have become the European standard bearers Celtic have to emulate back under Brendan Rodgers' watch.
The broadcaster reckons the Ibrox side's thrilling run to the Europa League Final is what the Irishman has to emulate upon his blockbuster return to the Parkhead dugout. The 50-year-old namechecked West Ham's Europa Conference League triumph as an achievement teams like Celtic must strive to match as he aims to make waves in Continental competitions. Rodgers will lead the Parkhead side in the Champions League next season and Jordan reckons Rangers' exploits en route to Seville will register across the city.
Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: "Brendan Rodgers going back to an environment will be judged by a set of standards that he set for himself. Which means he was got to achieve what he achieved before and, ultimately, better it, for it to be viewed as a successful situation for Celtic.
"And that means, in some respects, if they can't punch above their weight, and let's be clear, above their weight in the Champions League, and they need to punch their weight in the Europa League if they drop out from the Champions League. Because a model has been set by Rangers. And that will be something the Scottish fans will be looking it and saying 'okay, if you do come out of the Champions League and find yourself in the Europa League, we expect contributions in there'."
Jordan has previously raised doubts over Rodgers' ranking as one of the elite coaches of his generation and once again offered up caveats against the success the Irishman has enjoyed during a career which has landed nine trophies and eye-catching stints in charge of Leicester and Liverpool at the business end of the Premier League.
He added: "There is no doubt Brendan Rodgers has been a decent coach. I also think he has been quite a fortuitous coach. What would you rather have a good coach or a lucky coach? I think he picked up a decent side from Roberto Martinez at Swansea, I don't think he set the world on fire at Reading or at Watford when he was there. But he has learned his trade and went into Liverpool. He had a formidable forward line in Suarez, Sturridge and Sterling and he stole defeat from the jaws of victory. Klopp has shown you what Liverpool can become.
"He went to Celtic and rebuilt himself. He went to Leicester had two or three good seasons but the last season was very poor. I think alighting back on Celtic is a decent fit, it is about levels."
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