IT HAS taken Celtic almost SIXTY-FOUR years of competing in Europe before managing to achieve a triumph in Germany.
Jimmy McGrory’s team kicked off the club’s rollercoaster crusade at this level with a 4-2 loss to Valencia in Spain in the now-defunct Inter-Cities Fairs Cup on October 24 1962.
With a European Cup victory claimed in Lisbon in 1967 and a UEFA Cup Final extra-time loss in Seville in 2003 along the way, it would be fair to say it has been an eventful journey through the decades for the Hoops.
If there is such a thing as glorious failure, Martin O’Neill’s side experienced that with their courageous 1-0 success over VfB Stuttgart to go some way to restoring a modicum of pride following the dismal 4-1 loss first leg loss in Glasgow.
A LOT TO THINK ABOUT…Martin O’Neill reflects on Celtic’s historic triumph.
The European adventure climaxed with Luke McCowan scoring what turned out to be the only goal of the encounter in 29 seconds which led to the manager and players being applauded off the pitch by the travelling support.
In the immediate aftermath of a gruelling contest, a thrilled O’Neill drew breath and said: “I’ve been delighted with the team, absolutely delighted.
“Last week, the fourth goal really deflated us, but if we could contest on this occasion and maybe get an early goal or at least not concede early on – and then what do we do?
“Well, Luke scored a great goal for us within a minute of the game and then we’ve got something to go for.
“Of course, we were going to be under pressure at times in the match, they’re playing at home, they’re a very good side, my view is that they are very capable of winning this competition.
“They may, or may not, do that, but they are very capable of winning it.
“But the players showed great determination. At times, we played some really nice football, as well.”
O’Neill, speaking to Celtic TV, continued: “I was so proud of the team, so proud of the supporters, too, who kept us going.
“It was a brilliant effort, the lads got very tired before the end and we just couldn’t get the ball often enough to press, but, overall, I couldn’t’ be more pleased.
“Heart and desire is something that, in the scheme of things, is still important.”
A serious-looking Irishman then added: “Now heart and desire will not win you every single football match, you’ve got to be able to have the ability to get it down, play under pressure, all those things.
“But it does help when the going gets tough.”
That is certain to be the situation at Ibrox on Sunday as O’Neill gears his players for yet another testing Premiership confrontation in Celtic’s quest for a fifth successive title.
After last night’s passionate performance, who would bet against them?
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