Speaking exclusively with BOYLE Sports , Borussia Dortmund and Celtic hero Paul Lambert has assessed his old club's hopes at home and in Europe .
The 2003 UEFA Cup finalist under Martin O'Neill believes Celtic can go on a run in Europe if their home form holds, and has backed them as clear favourites to win a sixth title in a row.
Lambert has also given his verdict on Celtic 's summer recruitment, the sale of Johnny Kenny , whether he'd rather have Kasper Hogh or Lawrence Shankland , and the resurgence of his other old club Motherwell .
European Nights
Can O'Neill Repeat the 2003 Run to a Final?
Celtic can definitely go on a run in Europe , and their home form will be the key to that. The crowd and the atmosphere at Celtic Park are always fantastic on European nights. They're going to have some tough games, obviously, but on a European night at Celtic Park , it's a special experience. I wouldn't put it past them to go far; I really wouldn't.
How far? I don't know, because the competition has changed since my day, and you have more opportunities now with the larger group stage. I think Celtic will make a real mark this year. I know people think the Champions League fallout and the disappointment from that were huge for them, but they still have the fallback of the Europa League . I think they could go pretty far if their home form holds; that's going to be the key for them.
Where Should Celtic Sit in Europe?
If they can go far in the competition, it will certainly take away a little bit of the disappointment from the Champions League result. Whether it's reaching the later stages or getting to another final, that's why I say their home form is key. If they maintain that home form and tighten up a little bit away from home, they've certainly got a chance. It's a really tough place to win at Parkhead , no matter who comes there. But if they can keep a clean sheet away, they've definitely got a good chance to go far.
Celtic Squad
How Do You Assess Celtic's Midfield Options?
The guys that have come in have certainly enhanced the team and the squad; that's for sure. Albeit they still need to find their feet in Scottish football and understand what the club means and what it entails. There has been some really good acquisition because I know the couple of lads who have come in have done well. I think Celtic have strengthened really well in the window, despite everybody moaning, and they are in a good place domestically. Now, European football is when hopefully the new guys will start to realise what it's all about.
Will Celtic Win a Sixth Title in a Row?
I think Celtic are clearly the strongest team in the league. I think they have the strongest squad as well. They're a mature team, guys who know how to win titles. They're stable, and they've got a great manager who I know really well. I know about the animosity that was going on and the people coming in, and all those sorts of things that have stopped now. At this moment in time, the squad is strong, and they are favourites for a reason.
Were You Surprised Johnny Kenny Joined Preston For £3m?
I don't think Johnny Kenny was ever going to be a mainstay for Celtic . I don't think he was ever going to score 25 or 30 goals a season; that was never going to happen. He wasn't going to lead the line consistently and be that type of Celtic player. So, I think it's best for all parties that he moved on to get his career going. Celtic getting a bit of money for him was a good bit of business. It makes sense.
Would You Rather Have Kasper Hogh or Lawrence Shankland?
Kasper Hogh , I'd seen him a few times with Bodo/Glimt , and I thought he was definitely a handful. He's started the season pretty well, getting his hat-trick against Kilmarnock ; he's started his Celtic career really well. Lawrence Shankland knows the Scottish game, but he's struggled a little bit since his move to Rangers . Okay, he got a couple of goals, but now his injury is going to keep him out for a long period.
It remains to be seen how Kevin Kelsey adapts. I don't think many people know much about him, so that'll be interesting to see how that goes. Whereas Kasper Hogh knows it, and he leads the line well. He seems to have a good relationship with everybody there, including the crowd, with his teammates, and the two wide lads, Duran and Yang . So yeah, I think he could be a real handful.
Motherwell
How Impressed Have You Been With Motherwell?
I think Motherwell had a really good season when Jens had them. It's very difficult to win something if you're a provincial club in Scotland because of Celtic and Rangers . I think Hearts have done well last season and started well again this season, but Motherwell are one of the teams that are getting better. They've had a little stab at Europe , albeit I didn't think they had a chance against Freiburg . Freiburg were too strong. But it would have been a great experience for the guys at Motherwell .
The new manager seems to have started pretty well. Could they do something with a cup? Yeah, they could do. It's getting to the final and then seeing if you can beat Celtic , Rangers , or Hearts , whoever is there. But I think they've done really well in the last 12 months or so.
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