The former Hoops striker has backed the Scottish Premiership side to make up for lost time in Europe.
Former Celtic striker John Hartson
John Hartson has told The Scottish Sun that he believes that Celtic have the quality to take maximum points from their home games in the Champions League group-stage.
Brendan Rodgers’ men have arguably been placed in the most competitive group with Barcelona, Manchester City and Borussia Monchengladbach joining them in Group C.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers
But Hartson has suggested that it would not be a surprise to him if they finished the group with a flawless home record, but insisted that they still may have to do more to secure progress to the next round.
“I’ll be honest – I wouldn’t be surprised if they won all three of their games at Celtic Park,” he told The Scottish Sun.
“The thing is nine points might still not be enough, as we found to our cost back in 2004.
“So Celtic are going to have to take something away from home if they are to progress.”
Kieran Tierney celebrates their aggregate win over Hapoel
Though anyone who watched the second-leg of their play-off round tie with Hapoel Be’er Sheva will have reservations about the Bhoys’ chances of winning all of their home games, the narrative the game took in Israel may boost their group-stage hopes.
The fact that they were perhaps fortunate to maintain their aggregate lead will surely mean that they go into the next phase under no illusions about how difficult it will be to make it through, and being underdogs may inspire Rodgers’ men to surprise everyone by putting themselves in contention for a top two spot.
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