Ally McCoist plots Celtic Champions League undercover mission as Rangers hero plans to sit next to superstar's dad
Ally McCoist admits he might soak in Celtic's Champions League knockout first leg - but from the away end at Parkhead.
It was a blockbuster Battle of Britain showdown as Aston Villa the Hoops pushed the Premier League side during the final clash of the league phase - with Unai Emery's side booking a top eight finish and progression to the last 16. For Celtic they have to settle for a playoff spot - but it marks major progress in Europe's elite competition for the Scottish Premiership champions under Brendan Rodgers in the revamped competition.
And it's a huge turnaround for the Hoops from their dismal 7-1 thumping at the hands of Borussia Dortmund - with Rangers hero McCoist quick to bring up the result during a glowing report card on the match from Martin O'Neill and Stiliyan Petrov. O'Neill said: "A magnificent match, absolutely fantastic. Aston Villa thought it was going to be a cakewalk, Celtic fought back brilliantly. And as Brendan Rodgers mentioned in an earlier interview, the game was in the balance for a very long time. You felt as if Aston Villa would probably get the next goal (at 2-2), which they did do, then they missed a penalty after that.
"But Celtic were never out of the game. A magnificent match. Everybody's pleased here because Villa are in the top eight, and Celtic are through and performed excellently."
McCoist cut in: "I want to ask the two of you a question. Celtic tonight, came back from 2-0 down. In the grand scheme of things, they came back from a 7-0 in Dortmund. I know it's pleased you, but has it surprised you?"
O'Neill went on: "The next game after that was the most important one. They went to Atalanta and got a result there, Schmeichel made some fantastic saves, and I think that restored some confidence after that debacle in Dortmund. Their efforts have been excellent. The format has suited teams like Celtic because you always felt like you were in with a chance.
"They've qualified, they're through, and on tonight's performance against a very strong Aston Villa side, they won't fear anybody – at Celtic Park, anyway."
Petrov added: "I totally agree with Martin. I think the Dortmund game and Villa tonight were just a step too far for Celtic. Especially today, missing Kyogo , Maeda and Carter-Vickers. It seems like the club do have to recruit and recruit well, because playing in the Champions League you need the key players, the players that make a difference. Tonight we've seen, especially the second half when Villa found so much space.
"Ollie Watkins was one on one all the time, finding space, creating chances, and Celtic just couldn't deal with it. That's why it's so important for the next stage to add the right players to get better results."
After the debrief, McCoist was pressed on if he would be trying to snap up tickets for the knockout phase clash - with Celtic set to face off against Real Madrid or Bayern Munich. He was quizzed: "Will you be trying to get tickets to sit next to Rod Stewart. I would maybe be sitting next to Harry Kane's dad.
"In all seriousness, what a draw. They have earned it. Even tonight I feared the worst for them after five minutes. Remember Watkins has a great chance to make it three, but no they have done themselves proud and earned that draw. What a great draw for them."
