RYAN CHRISTIE saw Celtic cruise through to the Europa League last 32 and claimed: We’re ready for ANYBODY!
Celtic’s comfortable 3-1 win over Rennes saw them finish top of a qualifying group for the first time.
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It also means next month’s visit to CFR Cluj is a dead rubber for Celts, though the Romanians will still be trying to qualify.
Neil Lennon’s side will be seeded for the February matches, which will see Europa League group winners and runners-up joined by eight sides from the Champions League groups.
Christie said: “We’re delighted with the achievement. The aim coming into the game against Rennes was to get the win and hope that would secure us at the top of the group.
“Obviously we’d already qualified but we really wanted to put the icing on the cake by getting first place and that’s what we have achieved.
“When the draw was made, you looked at teams like Rennes and Lazio, who are very good European sides, and expected it to be a tough test for us.
“To be in the position we are now, I don’t think you could ask for more than what we’ve done.
“To have a 100 per cent home record and the highest tally in a European group is a great achievement.
“We’re delighted with how it’s gone for us in Europe.
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“To be seeds in the next round is a massive boost. Obviously in this competition when you get past the group stages, there’s probably no such thing as an easy draw.
“There are top-quality teams qualifying from the Europa League groups and coming in from the Champions League.
“Whoever we get drawn against, we’ll get a good team no matter what, but finishing top does help us.
HISTORY BHOYS Neil Lennon hails Celtic history-makers after Europa League win over Rennes
“There are big domestic games to come before that but when the draw comes around everyone connected with the club will be buzzing. I think after the way this group has gone we believe we can
have a decent run in the competition now. It’s what you have to aspire to when you go into it.
“Right at the start of the season the gaffer talked about how he felt we’d a point to prove in Europe — that it was up to us to make our mark, to become a really big European side again.
“We’ve got the belief now. The group has been amazing, so we couldn’t be higher in confidence on the European stage now to go on a really good run.”
Lewis Morgan was a surprise choice as striker in place of Odsonne Edouard.
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And the former St Mirren man responded with the opening goal — to team-mate Christie’s delight.
He added: “It couldn’t have gone better for him. It was amazing. I probably can’t throw enough compliments at him. The boys are absolutely delighted for him. Everybody sees how hard he trains, he keeps his head down and keeps working hard every day on the training ground.
“It’s probably been frustrating for him but it’s good when you have nights when the hard work that you put in pays off.
“He played the 90 minutes and looked as fit as anything.
“He got a well-deserved goal and led the line brilliantly.
“With Eddie missing, he had big shoes to fill because everyone knows how important Eddie is and what he brings us, but Lewis came in and did it on a big stage.
“He took the challenge in his stride and I’m delighted for him.”
Morgan has been linked with a January loan move to get more game time.
But Christie, whose goal took his total for the season to 14, says his display against the French side may have changed manager Lennon’s mind.
He added: “You would think he’d be happy to stay here now.
“He’s obviously given the gaffer a headache with that performance.
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“I’ve been in a similar position to him myself when you’re in the squad and training hard but just desperate to play games.
“The important thing is to keep working hard. He’s done just that behind the scenes and eventually it pays off.”
Mikey Johnston also responded to his return after injury with Celtic’s third goal on a successful night and Christie said: “It is brilliant when you have players who are coming back from
injury and scoring. I’m delighted for him.”