Stiliyan Petrov was part of Martin O'Neill's famous Celtic side who reached the UEFA Cup final in 2003.
Agonisingly, the Hoops came up just short in Seville as they succumbed to Jose Mourinho's Porto.
However, as the Scottish Premiership champions get ready for the beginning of another European campaign next midweek, Petrov sees no reason why Brendan Rodgers' men couldn't go all the way.
"Why not?" replied Petrov, when asked if Celtic can repeat the European heroics of 13 years ago at the draw for the Ladbrokes Ayr Gold Cup. "With all of the pressure and negativity from everywhere, I think this (Europe) will be the compass of the season.
"If Celtic start well in the Europa League and have a good campaign, all of this will be forgotten.
"Don't forget, the next transfer window is in three months, and you can change so many things. If you have a good start, then everything can fall into place.
"I think Celtic have a good opportunity, as the teams they will play are of a similar quality.
"After that Basel game, I said in the dressing room, 'let's go and win the UEFA Cup. I was bold and naive at the time, but look what happened - we got really close.
"In the Europa League, there are big possibilities, though it is important that they get off to a good start.
"So they have to be strong. It's a tough first game. Brendan knows what it takes to have a success in Europe. You need consistency. You need wins. By doing that, you have to be prepared. I think the team is prepared."
