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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Aidan Macdonald

Scott Brown backs Celtic to secure European football after Christmas

Celtic hero Scott Brown has backed the Hoops to finish third in their Champions League group.

The Parkhead side have just one point from their first four matches and must win their remaining two fixtures to have a chance of staying in Europe after Christmas.

And Brown hopes Brendan Rodgers' men can get positive results in their last two games.

Speaking to Luckyblock.com, he said: "It’ll be lovely if they can get that third-place spot in their group,” he said. “It would mean European football after Christmas in the Europa League, which is a big deal for the club and gives them something else to play for in the second half of the season. 

“I know it becomes relentless for the fans coming in on Thursdays and Sundays, but they’ll still be in Europe and still fighting for something – on top of the title and Scottish Cup – so Celtic should definitely be aiming for that third-place finish in the group.

"But those games against Lazio and Feyenoord will of course be tough. It's always going to be hard for Celtic to challenge in Europe.

"With the amount of money that the Premier League and other top leagues in Europe make, Celtic will always be punching above their weight.

"They’ve done it in the past and I'm sure they’ll be wanting to do it again. 

“It’s Brendan’s first time back in the Champions League and I’m sure he’ll have learned a lot, so he’ll want to come back in and make sure they’re in a better place in terms of the quality of the squad and how many games they win in the competition. 

“It’s difficult to say how far they can eventually go in Europe this season, but the players know how much it means to the fans and Brendan will remind them of that.

"It’s always a privilege to play under the lights in Europe and the squad should try and make the most of their remaining two group games against Lazio and Feyenoord.”

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