Champions League: Celts must strengthen - Gemmell

Former Celtic star Tommy Gemmell claimed Martin O’Neill would have to strengthen his squad if his side were to succeed in the Champions League.

The current Scottish Premier League champions were today handed a tough draw alongside Juventus, Porto and Rosenborg in group E.

And Gemmell, who was a member of Celtic’s 1967 European Cup-winning side, believes O’Neill must bolster his side to progress to the latter stages.

He said: ‘‘It’s great to see Celtic up there with the top guns in Europe.

‘‘I think Martin O’Neill will be the first admit that he will need players before we can get to final stages of Champions League.

‘‘I would think almost certainly he will add to his squad, it may be adequate for the SPL but it’s a different ball game for the Champions League.’’

But Gemmell reckons Celtic have shown the form to suggest they could surprise a few teams on the Continent this season.

He added: ‘‘You have got to remember that they beat Manchester United a couple of weeks ago at Old Trafford.’’

The support of Celtic’s patriotic fanbase could also play a significant role, Gemmell added.

‘‘There will be very large support because these countries are very easily reached from Glasgow.’’