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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
Sport
Alan Galindo

Celtic hero John Hartson sets Champions League last 16 progression points total

John Hartson believes two home wins over RB Leipzig and Shakhtar Donetsk will secure passage to the last 16 of the Champions League.

Ange Postecoglou's men are still searching for a first win in the group stages after a 3-1 defeat in Germany left them rooted to the bottom of the section with just one point. However, they trail second placed Shakhtar by just three points after their defeat to Real Madrid with it all to play for in the final three games.

Celtic's home record over the years has been a major factor in their success on the European stage with Hartson pointing that out and he reckons maximum points in Glasgow's east end will seal a knockout spot with seven points. Speaking on Go Radio, the Hoops hero said: "Leipzig come to Celtic Park next week. We are still very much in the competition. It is in our hands.

READ MORE: RB Leipzig stunned by Celtic as Postecoglou's side shown how it's done on impressive youth away day

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"If we beat Leipzig and of course Shakhtar. We've got two home games to come, you know how strong Celtic are at Celtic Park. We go and win the next two and I think that takes us through, seven points.

"So there is still that positivity and opportunity to go through in second place."

Asked if he thinks Celtic will take six points in the next two games, he continued: "I don't think. I think there is a possibility with Celtic's home form. But again, they are going to need to play very well to beat a team that has outplayed them for long periods.

"The positive to come out of it is that we have to beat Leipzig next week and then beat Shakhtar and we will finish second I think behind Real Madrid. I am holding on to that factor. We are not dead and buried. We are not out of this.

"Of course if we finish third we stay in Europe. We have a play-off game to go through to the Europa League. So are we starting to think now can we finish third now."

READ NEXT:

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- Jota's Celtic display earns Real Madrid comparison with 'player the world was talking about' quip

- Callum McGregor Celtic injury latest as Ange Postecoglou provides 'doesn't look good' update

- Celtic player ratings v RB Leipzig as Joe Hart error proves costly but Stephen Welsh sends message

- Joe Hart owns Celtic mistake but sends 'sometimes it's going to hurt' Angeball message after loss

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