CHRIS SUTTON believes it would be a ‘miracle’ if Ange Postecoglou was to lead Celtic to the Champions League group stage.

Most fans are being pragmatic and believe trying to qualify for the Champions League competition will be a bridge too far this summer considering the state of the first team and where we’re at right now as a club.

Added onto that, Celtic are going through the non-champions route, meaning if they were to get past Midtjylland in the second round, the bhoys wouldn’t be seeded going forward.

Writing in his RecordSport column, Sutton believes being thrown in at the deep-end will likely result in failure.

“The Danes are an extremely tough prospect for any new manager’s first game in charge, let alone one who is being forced to play catch up. You’ve got to think at this point of time it would take a miracle for Postecoglou to lead Celtic to the group stage.

“If they can scramble through this round they would hit the likes of PSV, Sparta Prague, Galatasaray and other ominous ties. They’ll be doing well to clear the first hurdle right now. Going in at the second round stage is actually a disadvantage for Celtic and their new manager this year.

“They have more time but usually the first round is a chance to feel your way in and find your feet. This time they are right in at the deep end.”

Celtic need to walk before they can run. We need to move players on and bring new, hungry players into the club before the start of the season.

Ange also has to lift the morale of the players currently at the club after a horrible season.

It’s a fresh start from everyone but there’s going to be disappointment along the way. Fans need to be patient so we can get back to winning ways.