UEFA cup run augurs well for Bhoys in Champions League

CELTIC manager Martin O’Neill believes the club can use their UEFA Cup run as a springboard for Champions League success next year, despite the fact that any aspirations they may have to join the Premiership in England have been knocked on the head by UEFA.

The Hoops missed out on their first European trophy since 1967 when they lost 3-2 to Porto in Seville last week.

The Parkhead side must now negotiate two qualifying rounds to enter the lucrative group stages of the Champions League.