SPL: O'Neill ponders Champions League downside

Martin O'Neill concedes Celtic's performances in the Champions League this season could prove to have a downside - if they alert Europe's top clubs to the Hoops' players.

O'Neill admits some of the displays from players like Didier Agathe and Stilian Petrov will not have gone unnoticed on the continent.

In the aftermath of Celtic's 1-0 home win over Rosenborg, O'Neill joked that Frenchman Agathe was worth £29m.

Now amid speculation that the 26-year-old could be the subject of bids from abroad or the FA Barclaycard Premiership, O'Neill reckons it would be unusual if this had not been the case.

He said: "When you look at the quality of the opposition we faced in those eight Champions League games and some of the performances that Didier put in I would be surprised if it hadn't been noticed around Europe.

"It's not surprising that a player of his quality will create interest."

The Celtic boss is unable to confirm which, if any, clubs are interested in Agathe and admits it is not his club's policy to try and sell players of the former Hibs winger's ability.

"I've certainly not been contacted by anyone about Didier," O'Neill said.

"He's been magnificent for us at times this season - but I've heard nothing at all."

O'Neill will be happy, meanwhile, to discuss the possibility of an improved contract with Petrov anytime the Bulgarian wants.

Petrov also played a massive part in the Hoops' Champions League campaign, and O'Neill is not fazed by the suggestion that other clubs may be interested in him.

"With Stilian there's not a problem," he said.

"I've always said that if a player goes through a period of improvement I'm perfectly happy to sit down with them and discuss a new deal.

"I believe that Stilian's recently got a new agent, and perhaps that's why this hasn't been discussed. But there is no problem.

"He was another who played wonderfully for us in Europe, and again I would be surprised if it hadn't got people talking about him."