CELTIC BOSS FAVOURITE’S EXTRA TEST

CELTIC managerial favourite Ange Postecoglou has accepted he faces an extra battle of proving himself outside Australian football.

The former international boss emerged as the shock frontrunner to become Neil Lennon’s long-term successor when the Hoops’ three-month pursuit of Eddie Howe collapsed on Friday.

The Greek-born coach, who is currently at Japanese giants Yokohoma F Marinos, has no experience of European league and is seen as some as being a massive gamble.

Postecoglou, who impressed during his time at Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory before taking over the Australian international side, has jousted with some of the top names in world football at World Cup level, including Spain’s Vincente del Bosque and Holland’s Louis Van Gaal.

HAPPY DAYS…Ange Postecoglou celebrates a goal for Australia,

Asked about coaches from the Southern Hemisphere getting the opportunity to show their qualities in Europe, the 55-year-old gaffer opened up in an interview in the local media.

He said: “I think there is a massive stigma against Australian coaches and where we have come from and where we have coached.

“I don’t think that has changed or is necessarily going to change very quickly, but the thing is with those Australian traits, Kevin Muscat, Tony Popovic and Harry Kewell are prepared to start wherever.

“When I look at these guys they could definitely be coaching at a higher level in Europe, no doubt about it.

“I’ve been pretty privileged to have met most of the world’s top coaches and I can tell you that for the most part you come away underwhelmed, not that impressed.

“Obviously, for us having that Australian passport it means you start at the bottom.”