Stars believe Bhoys will shine with or without O’Neill

CELTIC stars Magnus Hedman and David Fernandez believe the Scottish champions can go all the way to UEFA Cup glory — with or without manager Martin O’Neill.

The Irishman continues to be absent from the club's training camp in Florida for contract talks with director Dermot Desmond in Barbados.

But that has not stopped the players preparing for the resumption of the season and the Swedish goalkeeper is predicting exciting times could be ahead for the club.

"Realistically we will try and win every single game we play and I think that's being realistic," said Hedman.

"We play to win and the UEFA Cup is definitely not impossible, but I said when we didn't make the Champions League that if we do well in the UEFA Cup then nobody would think about that and we feel we are reaching that stage now and anything can happen."

Celtic face a fourth round double header with Stuttgart and are still in with a chance of scooping four prizes by May.

The players feel their break in Florida has recharged their batteries and they are certainly confident of making history again after winning the European Cup in 1967.

"I think we can beat anybody at any time," said Fernandez. "But we have to be focused on the games.

"We've got players here, who can score at any time against good defenders. The most important thing is to remain focused and enjoy ourselves on the pitch which is the key to getting the results in Europe."

The victory over Celta Vigo in the last round was especially satisfying for Fernandez as his family and friends support arch-rivals Deportivo La Coruna.

The Spanish players revealed that he returned to his native land a hero and he believes everybody there is aware of just how good Celtic are in Europe.

"I was so happy," said Fernandez. "When I went back to Spain I was a hero so I've enjoyed the opportunity to play in Europe. If I can be part of Celtic then great.

"Right now they are a great club, but the people in Spain never knew Celtic. They knew we were a great club, but not the potential of the team.

"They didn't really think Celta would win easily. After the Valencia game people sat up and took notice and felt that Celtic were a great team in Europe.

"My family and friends are Deportivo fans and I play outside La Coruna, but I haven't had the chance to speak with them properly face to face.

"But they are excited and happy for me. They wish me all the luck."