Celtic pitted against Robin van Persie

Celtic have the prospect of facing Robin van Persie and Nani’s new side Fenerbahce plus Ajax and Molde from Norway in Group A after they were drawn together in the Europa League group stages.

The financial rewards of the Europa League have been increased by Uefa this season — and there is the carrot of the winners qualifying automatically for next season’s Champions League.

Celtic’s head of operations Ronnie Hawthorn said: “I think the stature of the Europa League is growing and the competition is getting more and more difficult. It’s good for fans who wants to watch European competition but it is a tough competition these days.