We need to be honest with ourselves

I read in some places how poor PSV Eindhoven were last night.  PSV are not a poor team, they finished ahead of a Conference League finalist and two points behind a side who won all six of their Champions League group games last season.

During the first half, they were harried out of their stride, were unable to build periods of possession and only remained in the game as they clearly have better players than their well-drilled opponents.  Even if Newco are denied Champions League income next week, we have a fight on our hands for the domestic title.

I’m struggling to think of a single Newco squad member who would get into the Celtic team, but none of us would entertain the fantasy that our current squad would get anywhere near a European final.  Newco players have a curious level of energy and physicality.  This is what took them to Seville and what inhibited Celtic in the clubs two final meetings last season, when we managed a draw and extra-time defeat.

No later than three weeks today we will have played in the Champions League and our [principle domestic challengers.  We need to be honest with ourselves, there is still work to be done.