Don't judge us on Champions lottery, says O'Neill

CELTIC manager Martin O'Neill has called on Hoops fans to judge his team at the end of the season and not if their number fails to come up in the Champions League lottery later in the month.

The champions begin their defence of the Scottish Premier League title at home to Dunfermline today.

But with a Champions League qualifying tie with either Swiss side FC Basel or Slovakian outsiders Zilina fast approaching, the Parkhead faithful could be forgiven for allowing their minds to wander tomorrow, especially as the Pars have such a poor recent record against Celtic. O'Neill admitted the prospect of playing in Europe's top club competition was acting as a powerful magnet to attract players, the latest to arrive being goalkeeper Magnus Hedman and defender Ulrik Laursen.