O’Neill predicts barren times for Scottish clubs

CELTIC manager Martin O’Neill fears it will be a long time before another Scottish club reaches a European final.

The Hoops went all the way to the UEFA Cup final two years ago, losing to Porto after extra-time.

However, there will be no Scottish representation in Europe in the new year after Celtic, Rangers and Hearts all crashed out over the last fortnight. The Hoops must now concentrate on domestic matters, and face Dundee United at Parkhead today in the Bank of Scotland Premier League. O’Neill believes it is hardly a surprise that Scottish teams are struggling to reach the latter stages of European competitions.

He said: “it will be a fairly lengthy time before an SPL side contests a European final. Scottish teams do not contest UEFA or Champions League finals too often, so when it comes around it has to be savoured, but I know from our own experience how difficult these games are.

“We almost did it again - we got to the quarter-finals last year, so our own particular record in European football over the last couple of years has been pretty creditable. The bottom line is that there is no European football for any SPL club after Christmas, so make of that what you will.” O’Neill insists no one should forget they were battling against two of the favourites to win the Champions League this year.

He added: “we are disappointed but we were playing in the Champions League and our last three results were a victory and two draws against Barcelona and AC Milan.

“In all the mayhem, that seems to have been forgotten. For the last couple of seasons it has been this particular football club which has been flying the SPL flag, so it’s probably time someone else took over for a while.”

The lack of European football at Parkhead after Christmas means the subject of new players has reared its head again with the January transfer window looming. However, O’Neill was vague about his chances of bringing new faces to the club.

He said: “you might as well be prepared in case anything develops and that’s the best way to be. That’s what we’re looking at - being prepared.”

Meanwhile, Stephen Pearson will miss the Premier League visit of Dundee United after undergoing an operation on a double hernia.

Last night’s results: The Coca-Cola Football League Championship: Brighton 0 Stoke 1, Nottm Forest 1 Leicester 1.

Coca-Cola Football League Two: Grimsby 1 Oxford Utd 1, Southend 1 Chester 0.