Former Celtic assistant manager John Collins is hopeful that Brendan Rodgers receives money to spend on new players after his side secured qualification to the Champions League group stage.
On a nervy night in Beersheba, Rodgers men barely held on to their aggregate lead after Hapoel Beer Sheva scored two either side of half time to provide a mighty scare to Celtic who won the first leg at home 5-2.
Despite a poor performance, the path to the group stage of the Champions League was secured, and Collins, who served as assistant to Ronny Deila, believes Celtic will be mightily relieved to get back to the competition proper for the first time in three years.
He admits that it is clear from last night’s showing that Celtic need strengthening to compete at Europe’s elite level, and is hopeful Rodgers receives the club’s backing in the final week of the window.
The former Bhoy said on BBC Radio 5 live: “It’s a huge boost for everybody at the club, the supporters, the players and the coaching team.
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“Everybody is excited now, and the pressure is off as when you lose, I was their last season and the season before that, its doom and gloom.
“It’s exciting now, and hopefully Brendan will be given more funds to go and strengthen the squad because from tonight’s viewing it’s clear they need another couple of players to compete in the group stage.”
Rodgers is expected to splash the cash to further add options to his squad, and with Champions League football, Celtic are expected to become a more attractive destination in the final week of the window.
