‘CELTIC SUFFER BECAUSE OF FAILURE OF OTHER CLUBS,’ STRACHAN

GORDON STRACHAN insists Celtic’s chances of making progress in the Champions League are being hampered by other Scottish clubs.

Scotland’s dismal failure to make an impact on the European football front means Brendan Rodgers’ men faced FOUR qualifying stages in their bid to make the lucrative group stages for the third successive year.

Former Hoops boss Strachan said: “We have to get the co-efficient up because it’s the worst it’s ever been.

“Over the last 12 years, I think we were seventh, now we are away down below Latvia.

“It’s worrying, a real problem for Scottish football.

“It can be real hard work. Our clubs are meeting teams which are midway through their season and for us it’s our first competitive matches which is unfair.

“Then you have a club of Celtic’s stature having to go through so many qualifying games. Everyone has been dragged down by the co-efficient.”

Ex-Scotland international gaffer Strachan insisted extended runs are vital with the Parkhead men, Aberdeen Hibs and Sevco Rangers all involved in the European challenge.this season.

The seven-in-a-row title-winners face Rosenborg in the first leg of their Champions League second round qualifier at Parkhead tomorrow night with the return in Trondheim next week.

Rodgers’ side have already taken care of Armenia’s Alashkert 6-0 on aggregate and now Greek champions AEK Athens await them at the third hurdle – if they overcome the Norwegians.