CELTIC right-back Alistair Johnston remains optimistic about the club’s chances in the Champions League, despite a challenging start that sees them at the bottom of their group after two games without a point to their name.

The defender believes that if the side were more clinical, Celtic has the potential to be ‘a top team’ even on Europe’s grandest stage.

The Scottish champions experienced a bitter blow when Pedro’s last-minute goal secured a 2-1 victory for Lazio at Celtic Park. Earlier in the match, Celtic had taken the lead and even believed they had regained it when Luis Palma found the net, only for the goal to be disallowed due to an offside call.

It was a frustrating night for Celtic, given their dominance for large parts of the game.

Celtic face an uphill battle as they look to progress from their group. With consecutive matches against group favourites Atletico Madrid on the horizon, playing the home one first, the stakes are high.

However, Johnston remains undeterred and still fancies his side’s chances. he said:

“Our mind is still on getting out of this group,” he said to Sky Sports. 

“I still think there’s a chance, but at the same time, this next match becomes all the more important.

“We know that, everyone knows that, you lose again and the ride is probably done.

“So, you really dig in now and find a way in these next two matches against Atlético to get some points on the board.”