Celtic progressed into the Champions League group stages.
Celtic lost 2-0 to Hapoel Beer Sheva in Israel last night but Brendan Rodgers’s men still progressed into the Champions League group stages.
The Hoops won the first leg 5-2 to put one foot in the Champions League proper.
But goals from Ben Sahar and Ovidiu Hoban within 48 minutes increased anxiety levels among every Celtic affiliate, who knew that one more goal from Hapoel would see them eliminated on away goals.
However, the Scottish champions displayed a sense of resillience which might have eluded them last season – and the one before that – under Ronny Deila as Rodgers led them back into the group stages for the first time since 2013.
In doing so, Celtic will pocket some £22 million as a lucrative reward for their labours, and the Republic of Ireland and Hull City defender was delighted to see the Bhoys advance.
Meyler also congratulated his compatriot and defender Eoghan O’Connell, who played 90 minutes in the first leg but missed out last night.
As happy as Celtic fans will be, there may be a few who are slightly concerned about the defeat.
There were defensive errors which will undoubtedly hinder them going forward -in Europe and domestically – unless Rodgers gets a hold on things and improves the defence.
He has signed Kolo Toure on a free transfer, but is he enough to shore up the backline? Time will tell.
Celtic’s Kieran Tierney celebrates
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