Celtic earned the right to be taken seriously

After so many years, so many defeats, we went to Germany, England, then Belgium, on consecutive Champions Group stage away games, unbeaten. This run of form crept up on us. It didn’t look likely after the game immediately preceding this run, a 7-0 rout in Barcelona, but Brendan Rodgers amended the plan and, on the road, he hasn’t looked back.

Extrapolation is dangerous. It is wiser to mistrust the past than to put too much faith in it, but this Celtic team have earned the right to be taken seriously at the Allianz Arena tonight. They will play unburdened with expectations and without fear.

I’ve watched too many of these games with a nervous disposition. Let’s enjoy this one.

Bring it on.

OUR SECOND CQN PODCAST this week, featuring interviews with ex-Celts Alan Stubbs and Chris Sutton, previewing the big games this week against Bayern Munich and Hibs at Hampden on Saturday.

Stubbs gives an insight into Liam Henderson as a player and talks about where his career should go from here.

BT Sport pundit Chris Sutton, who was speaking at the SPFL Betfred League Cup media day, spoke about Celtic’s European challenge in Munich and his former gaffer Gordon Strachan’s departure from Hampden Park.

Speaking on behalf of BT Sport, Alan Stubbs also spoke about his regret at leaving Hibs, and looks ahead to the League Cup semi-final between two of his former clubs.

BT Sport is where the best go head to head. Watch Bayern Munich v Celtic exclusively live in the UEFA Champions League on BT Sport ESPN from 7pm tonight & Hibs v Celtic exclusively live in the SPFL Betfred League Cup on BT Sport 1 from 11:15am on Saturday 21st October.