Danny Murphy has issued a stark warning to Europe’s top sides, highlighting the challenge of facing Celtic in the Champions League. The former England midfielder praised Brendan Rodgers’ team for their progress in Europe’s premier competition, noting that the Scottish champions have become a tough prospect on their home turf and beyond.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Murphy said: “If they are in the play-off, then I think Celtic fans will have accepted that before and will enjoy those games. Anybody going to Celtic in that play-off game will be a tough one.”

Celtic Closing in on Champions League Knockouts

Celtic’s 0-0 draw against Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday night secured a valuable point, taking their tally to nine after six games in the revamped Champions League format. A win in their next match at home to Young Boys would see the Hoops reach the coveted 12-point mark, guaranteeing progression to the knockouts while easing the pressure on a potentially tricky final group game against Aston Villa.

Simon Jordan, co-host of talkSPORT’s mid-morning show with Jim White, acknowledged Celtic’s improvement under Rodgers and tipped them to make the play-offs. However, he stopped short of backing them for a top-eight finish. Jordan said:

“I don’t think they will get that [last 16 automatically]. I think they will get into the play-offs. And Brendan Rodgers is absolutely right. When they play six games in the format of old, they would have bitten your arm off at the shoulders for nine points. Previously they’ve gotten virtually nothing out of the Champions League draws.”

Credible Performances on the Road

Celtic’s performances away from home have earned plaudits, with Jordan singling out the clean sheets against Atalanta and Dinamo Zagreb as evidence of their European growth. He added:

“Last night against Dinamo Zagreb, I think it was a decent result. Going away to a Dinamo Zagreb side that have done relatively well and are only a point behind them in the table and getting a 0-0 draw is pretty credible and gives them a real opportunity.”

Jordan also speculated on the importance of Celtic’s final group match against Aston Villa, suggesting the English side’s motivation could depend on whether they’ve already secured qualification by then.

Brendan Rodgers’ Tactical Shift

Murphy and Jordan both credited Rodgers for adapting his approach in Europe, with the manager steering away from an overly bold style in favour of more pragmatic tactics against high-calibre opposition. Jordan remarked:

“Of course he was going to go to Atalanta and take the opposition very seriously and play the right kind of game, and he did. That is a job well done [clean sheets in the last two away games].”

A Platform for Further Success

Celtic’s journey through the revamped Champions League format has shown signs of genuine progress, and the team now has a real chance to compete in the knockout stages. With a pivotal home clash against Young Boys on the horizon, the Hoops are firmly in control of their European destiny.