Kenny Dalglish believes that Celtic is on the brink of breaking through in the Champions League under the guidance of Brendan Rodgers.

Having closely observed Celtic’s performances against the top-tier European clubs, Dalglish acknowledges that while they have faced defeats in their first two group games against Feyenoord and Lazio, the team has exhibited periods of brilliance and resilience. He firmly believes that a tad more stamina and finesse during crucial moments can steer the team towards victories.

Celtic were arguably the better team in Rotterdam, until the sending-off. Then, Holm’s red card, the second Celtic player to receive their marching orders in the match, totally changed the game again, and Celtic put in a resilient display to keep the scoreline respectable.

Lazio at home was frustrating for Celtic, they were the better team and deserved the win. But after conceding a poor goal in the first half, they just couldn’t take the lead again, even though the ball had hit the back of the net. Then, right at the death, Lazio scored a winner.

As quoted by the Daily Record, Dalglish reflected on the matches but didn’t seem too hopeful that Celtic can turn their European campaign around this year, but he did provide a positive spin, saying a result is on its way.

“They were a wee bit unlucky against Lazio. To lose one right in the last minute was disappointing, but that’s the level you are playing at. The goal that was chopped off, he [Luis Palma] was offside, but it’s a fraction. Daizen Maeda just touched it. If he misses it it still goes to the same place and the boys still puts it in. But that’s what it’s all about. You look at the Celtic/Rangers game when they [officials] gave a foul. It could just as easily have gone the other way. It’s fine margins everywhere and they’ve got no points.

“They had a problem trying to get a team out for the first one at Feyenoord, but I thought the referee was out of order. I didn’t think it was one of his better performances.

“Last year against Real Madrid they hit the bar and the post in the first half. They were flying. They never had anything left come the hour and they got the better of them. It was the same in Leipzig.

“If they can last the hour in the game and then keep going with the quality that they have, eventually they are going to get a result.

“Whether it will be this year or not, I don’t know. But they have left themselves with a bit to do. They’ve got to get themselves at least into the Europa League. ”