Ex-Celtic striker John Hartson believes his former club may have to settle for third place in their Champions League group, following the defeat to Leipzig midweek.

The Welshman won’t put it past Ange Postecoglou’s side securing the six points they need from their next two group matches but he believes sealing a Europa League spot is more realistic:

“There is a possibility with Celtic’s home form [that they could qualify], but they would have to play very, very well to beat a team that have outplayed them (Leipzig). The positive is that if we beat Leipzig and Shakhtar then we are second in the group. I am holding on to the fact that we are not dead and buried. If we finish third we have a playoff to get through to the Europa League, so you have to think if we can finish third now…”

Even though Hartson is probably right to play down hopes that the Hoops can still qualify, the fact that the next two fixtures are at Celtic Park means the Scottish champions can still turn their situation around.

Against Real Madrid, in the opening group fixture, they played superbly well in the first half and they were unlucky not to take the lead in that match.

It means that, if they can raise themselves to the same levels when they face Leipzig and Shakhtar, there is a chance of getting the victories they need. Whether that will happen, though, we shall have to wait and see.