Celtic take on Hapoel Be’er Sheva in the Champions League this evening.
John Hartson
Former Celtic striker John Hartson has told The Scottish Sun that he thinks the Bhoys will need to make one more quality signing if they qualify for the Champions League group stage this evening.
The Bhoys take on Israeli side Hapoel Be’er Sheva in the away leg of their Champions League qualifier this evening, and are hot favourites to make it through after last week’s first leg at Celtic Park.
Celtic team huddle
Brendan Rodgers men claimed a 5-2 win last week, with Celtic heading into a 3-0 lead before being pegged back to 3-2, but Rodgers went for more goal and ended up with a comprehensive win.
With a three-goal advantage, Celtic are expected to go through into the group stage tonight, even with Hapoel’s two away goals – and progression would be huge for the Bhoys.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers
After two failed qualifying campaigns under Ronny Deila, Celtic are on the cusp of reaching the Champions League group stage of the first time since 2013, and qualification may give Rodgers some money to spend in the transfer market.
The Northern Irishman has added Dorus De Vries, Kolo Toure, Scott Sinclair and Moussa Dembele to his squad so far this summer, but to have a chance of real Champions League success, more additions may be needed.
Ahead of tonight’s game, former Celtic striker John Hartson has told The Scottish Sun that he thinks the Bhoys still need one more quality signing if they do make it through, believing that Rodgers has deserved more money to spend.
John Hartson
Hartson thinks Rodgers won’t want to be embarrassed in the group stage should Celtic make it there, and added that he should be given the chance to add to what is a ‘light’ Bhoys squad before next week’s transfer deadline.
“I’d imagine he’s spent the original budget already on Kolo Toure and Scott Sinclair,” said Hartson. “But if Celtic go through then Rodgers will be well within his rights to ask for another quality player to add to the squad. At the moment his squad is quite light. He’s spent wisely so far and I’d think he’ll be satisfied with the backing he’s had.”
“But going into the Champions League is another ball game. He won’t want to get embarrassed at that level so he’ll be eager to improve his team and make it as strong as possible. But if they get the huge £20million windfall then I’d like to think the club will give a slice of it to their manager,” he added.
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