One of Martin O'Neill's former team-mates has insisted that European success is the next logical step for Celtic. Gary Birtles was a team-mate of O'Neill's at the City Ground when the pair where part of the 1980 European Cup-winning team. And he is not surprised by the Irishman's success as a manager, from his non-league days at Wycombe right through to clinching the domestic Treble after just one season at Celtic - as Birtles saw O'Neill's drive and ambition as a player.
The Hoops suffered an early exit from the Champions League this year but Birtles believes O'Neill will still be hungry for success in Europe with a place in the third round of the UEFA Cup still up for grabs. He said: "I think it is very important for Martin to do well in Europe because he wants to succeed. He has been successful in every job that he's had so far. When I knew him as a player at Forest he was like that, and he's the same now that he's a manager.
Celtic were unlucky to go out of the Champions League this season so he may decide he wants to stay on there for another couple of years to see what he can achieve. Celtic managed to emerge a goal ahead from their tough first-leg tie against Blackburn at Parkhead a fortnight ago.
Filed by Ciaran Cronin
