John Hartson believes Celtic can reach the knock out phase of the Champions League- if they can take a point away from home.
The Welshman believes that Brendan Rodgers side can beat Barcelona, Manchester City and Monchengladbach at home but worries about the away form.
Most Celtic fans would accept third place and Europa League football in the new year but Hartson never played for Arsenal, Celtic and West Ham by setting moderate expectations.
Writing in The Sun Hartson claims: “I’ll say right now, I believe Celtic can qualify from this group and reach the last 16.
“That’s a big ask, sure, with teams like Barca and City in the same section but we thought the same in 2004 and 2012 when Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi showed up.
“What happened? They both left Glasgow with their tails between their legs, they weren’t the only ones.
“No one will ever forget that 4-3 win over Juventus in October 2001. Milan were sent packing by Scott McDonald back in 2007.
“We beat Lyon, saw off Anderlecht, drew with Bayern Munich, all at Celtic Park.
“I have seen Tony Watt score against Barca, I have watched Aiden McGeady torment Paulo Maldini. So playing these teams doesn’t worry me one bit.
“I’ll be honest, I wouldn’t be surprised if they won all three of their games at Celtic Park.”
He added: “The thing is nine points might still not be enough, as we found to our cost back in 2001.
“So Celtic are going to have to take something away from home if they are to progress and that’s the part that concerns me. Something happens when they go away from home.
“Against Hapoel Be’er Sheva they were all over the place. They were so open, they looked in disarray at times. They looked like they could concede from almost every set-piece.
Unless they sort that out quickly better teams will punish them. Brendan Rodgers knows all this already, I am sure. And right now I’m also certain he’ll have a good idea what he wants to do about it.”
Celtic start their campaign in the Nou Camp on September 13 followed by a visit from Manchester City on September 28.
CLICK HERE for Kilmarnock taunt new club Sevco.
CLICK HERE for Rodgers explains Celtic’s edge over every Champions League club.
CLICK HERE for UEFA’s co-efficient boost for Celtic..