Champions League holds the key
 By Richard Purden
Celtic made a Lazarus-like comeback to secure the league and cup double
this season in a revamped SPL.
A Champions League spot is the key to securing the services of Celtic’s
more experienced players who are looking to move. While rumours have been
rife of Roy Keane’s departure those closest to the player believe
his ambition is to play Champions League football with Celtic.
Club chairman Brian Quinn said: “I think he will play on for us.
He said after the CIS Cup final that was what he wanted to do.”
Champions League football would also tempt Neil Lennon to stay on as captain.
The player enjoyed one of his best seasons at the club but admitted the
current domestic success could be the perfect way to end his Parkhead
career.
He said: “I’ve got a few things to think about. There is the
thought that it wouldn’t get any better than winning the league
as captain. I don’t want to outstay my welcome.”
Like Keane a Champions League spot could persuade Lennon to stay.
He said: “That would be hard to walk away from. Maybe I’ve
done everything up here I wanted to do apart from qualify for the next
stages of the Champions League. That could really be the carrot I need.”
Gordon Strachan has admitted he will have to build on the current squad
to bring European success back to Parkhead.
He said: “The signings of Gary Caldwell from Hibs and Kenny Miller
from Wolves won’t be the end of the story. The squad I have isn’t
conducive to the standard of games we have to play in next season.”
Aidan McGeady is rooting for Celtic’s old talisman Henrik Larsson
to lift the European Cup for Barcelona this season as it will mean the
Hoops will progress straight to the group stages.
McGeady is keen to put this season’s shock exit against Artmedia
Bratislava behind him and savour the present glory.
He said: “The first championship medal won is probably the most
special even if the rest of the season didn’t go to plan. Now I
want to play as often as possible before the end of the season.”
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