Stan Petrov has watched Brendan Rodgers transform Celtic, bringing back memories and comparisons.
Sixteen years ago the Bulgarian was at the heart of another treble bid as Martin O’Neill added direction and purpose to a squad that had lost it’s way.
Rodgers hasn’t had anything like the same amount of money to spend but the impact has been similar with supporters flocking back to watch their side turn on the style.
While stopping short of comparing the current side with the vintage team of 2000/01 the former Aston Villa man is delighted with the success that the hoops are experiencing.
“I never like to compare teams, they are their own side,” the Bulgarian told the Daily Record. “What I will say is that I’m impressed with the way this Celtic side are playing.
“They are playing with a smile on their faces and with flair, scoring goals.
“A season or two ago the seats were empty and there wasn’t even 25,000 or 30,000. Now the stadium is full and people want to come back.
“Martin and Brendan are also two different managers but they do one thing: they win games on a Saturday. So in that way I can compare them.
“Brendan has shown he has the potential to be as powerful as Martin O’Neill was at Celtic. I hope they win the Treble.
“It’s not done yet though, everybody will try to go after them because they know they are the best.
“So everyone is after them and the Cup is not a marathon like the league. The Cup will be difficult but I think they are on the right path.”
Celtic set out on the cup campaign on Sunday with a visit to Airdrie to take on Albion Rovers.
Three weeks on from their 2-1 win over Sevco at Ibrox Rodgers squad will be fit and refreshed from their winter break in Dubai.
A week of training at Lennoxtown should have them reacclimatised with the Scottish weather ahead of Sunday’s visit to Lanarkshire.