The Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill has backed Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers to improve the club’s performances in Europe in the coming years. The Hoops are on the cusp of a seventh consecutive Scottish Premiership title, but they have not been able to replicate a similar showing in the European games.

However, in a report covered by the Evening Times, former Hoops boss O’Neill believes Rodgers is the right man to take the club forward despite their shortcomings in Europe, he said: “Even when you are doing well domestically, you cannot afford to take your eye off the ball in a European context. I have no doubt in time that Brendan will get Celtic to that level in Europe. He will look to address what needs to be done. It is tough because the co-efficient is so stacked against you. If you are in Pot 4 then you know that you are coming up against some pretty stellar, elite teams. Over time and in the next few seasons I would fully expect Brendan to make inroads into that.”

Rodgers has done an exceptional job with Celtic since taking charge at the helm. In his first season, the Hoops went on to celebrate a domestic treble by remaining unbeaten through the campaign. This term, the Hoops have not been at their best, but they are nevertheless on course to replicate the feat. The Glasgow outfit are nearly assured of a domestic double with the league triumph, and they are favourites to secure the Scottish Cup.

Regardless of their success, Rodgers will be looking to reinforce the squad with more quality players in the summer in order to enhance the club’s Europe’s showing. Celtic have failed to progress beyond the Champions’ League group stage in the previous two seasons, having been pitted against the likes of Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich.