Celtic’s upcoming friendly against Newcastle United on July 19 has drawn attention on both sides of the border, with former Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given weighing in on the club’s stature in England.
Speaking ahead of the match, Given, who spent years playing at the top level in England, offered his perspective to CeltsAreHere earlier today, on how Celtic are viewed down south.
Given believes that Celtic commands respect, but admits that further success in Europe could elevate the club’s reputation even more. He pointed to the importance of Champions League results in shaping how clubs are judged outside their domestic leagues.
The former Newcastle and Manchester City keeper acknowledged that while Celtic as a club are held in high regard, the Scottish Premiership as a whole still faces criticism when compared to the English Premier League. He suggested that strong European performances can help bridge that perception gap.
With Brendan Rodgers’ side looking ahead to another Champions League campaign, Given feels the stage is set for Celtic to continue building their European profile and, in doing so, enhance the standing of both the club and Scottish football as a whole.
He said: “I think it does. I think obviously Celtic and then other characters across the city, they’re huge clubs, aren’t they?
“I think even like Stephen mentioned about the success they had this year in the Champions League, I think the more successful they can be in Champions League football and the more bigger results they get in that, I think then people go, it is a club that needs to be respected and a league I suppose.”
“I think the club’s always been respected but some people maybe would have a go at the league perhaps. It’s not as good as the Premier League and all that kind of stuff. But I think you’re tested in the Champions League probably more so than maybe sometimes in the league and that’s no disrespect to some of the lesser teams.”
“I think there were some big performances last season and in the Champions League especially, they were brilliant Celtic. So I think you gain respect off the back of that as well.”
Celtic produced brilliant performances in last season’s Champions League, holding their own against elite opposition. While results didn’t always fall their way, the performances earned praise for their approach and competitiveness against Europe’s elite.
Given’s comments reflect a common viewpoint in England where the Premiership’s strength is regularly highlighted, but the calibre of individual clubs like Celtic still commands respect. The Champions League remains where those opinions can shift.
As the Hoops gear up for another season in Europe, performances like last year’s will be massive in reinforcing the club’s stature, not just in Scotland, but across the continent. And as Shay Given points out, it’s on those European nights where Celtic can continue to demand respect.
