Celtic’s swagger makes Champions League progress a legitimate target

Strength in depth and a ferocious press may help European adventures to have competitive relevance once moreThe new Champions League format has capacity to bruise egos. Few teams finishing bottom of a section of four are likely to invite ridicule. Coming 36th out of 36th, or anywhere close to the foot of this expanded section, will be optically embarrassing.Brendan Rodgers had his eyes fixed on making a European impact long before the Champions League was remodelled. Celtic have realised their domination in Scotland is – save wild mistakes, or a revolution across the city – virtually guaranteed. Broader horizons now, if belatedly, appeal. So they should; recent days revealed annual income of £124.6m, from which they spent £105.4m. Celtic reported £77.2m in the bank, even before Matt O’Riley’s £26m sale to Brighton. Umpteen clubs have competed in Europe on fractions of those figures. Celtic have strength, stability and an excellent manager, which all negate excuses.