Bhoys not out of their league in Europe

BEFORE Tuesday night’s game at Celtic Park, Gordon Strachan intimated that the Premiership was over-hyped, something I totally agree with him about, and that the SPL wasn’t that far behind it.

Now, in contrast, THAT is having a laugh! However, there can be no doubt Celtic’s win, and its consequences, took him and his captain totally by surprise.

Getting back to my hotel to watch the highlights I was feeling guilty that, though I realised Celtic’s victory was enough to take them above Manchester United by virtue of ‘superior head-to-heads’, it took longer to recognise it also ensured their qualification.

I’m not sure many newspapers, if any, flagged that possibility beforehand. They, like me, weren’t expecting Celtic to win.

Anyway, I felt better watching interviews with Strachan and Neil Lennon afterwards during which it was obvious neither knew they’d made it through to the knockout stages! Which just goes to show how easy it was to get caught up in the late drama that unfolded at Celtic Park.

The atmosphere was wonderful, as good as any you’d encounter anywhere. It’s no wonder the Scottish Champions have such a wonderful record at home. If only they could conjure up the odd result away from Celtic Park — I have a feeling the lift they’ll take from beating United might lead to that in Copenhagen.

Anyway, whether Celtic finish first or second in the group, no team will relish going there in the last 16.