Celtic manager Martin O'Neill last night expressed his delight at his team's qualification for the group stages of the Champions League and claimed he does not care who they meet in the next stage. The Scottish champions were beaten 1-0 at Parkhead by Ajax but qualified courtesy of their brilliant 3-1 win in Amsterdam a fortnight ago.
O'Neill was adamant that his side deserved to reach this stage of Europe's most elite competition for the very first time. "There's no doubt about it that Ajax were excellent tonight and they had us on the back foot early. They deserved everything they got tonight. But over the two games we deserved to go through because we were absolutely brilliant in Amsterdam. This is a good learning experience for all of us and I'm delighted to be in the draw," said the Irishman.
"This is great for the club and the supporters and this is what the club should be aspiring to, a regular participation in the group stages," added O'Neill. "Whatever happens over the six matches we will learn a great deal as well at club level and it will be a big experience for us, but it's one I'm looking forward to."
The draw for the group stages of the Champions League takes place later today but O'Neill is not concerned about the prospect of meeting some of Europe's biggest clubs, he is just delighted to be involved. "It doesn't matter who we get, I'm just really pleased to be in there. I'm going over to accompany Henrik Larsson, who will get an award for winning the Golden Shoe, and I decided to take a free trip. It took an awful lot of persuading, but I'll be back on Friday," he added.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
