
Ally McCoist brands Celtic 'a Europa League club' 8 months on from Euro success
Rangers hero Ally McCoist reckons Celtic are a "Europa League club" - despite securing Champions League progression last season.
Brendan Rodgers' led the Hoops out of the league phase in January last season and will look to join Europe's elite once again by navigating Kairait Almaty in the playoff round.
Seeing off the champions of Kazakhstan would secure a £40million jackpot - but McCoist reckons the club would be punching above their weight.
The Ibrox icon lumped in Rangers with Celtic – as he confessed his beloved team face a tough test in seeing off Club Brugge to reach the league phase promise land.
He told talkSPORT: "Taking the first game against Panathinaikos, they were very good, and a great home result in the next round. In the away leg they weren't superb, but I was always confident they were going to go through.
"I think this is a different game, the opposition is obviously of a far better standard. I saw Brugge last season and they are a level up.
"Financially, it would mean so much to both Scottish clubs if they could make it through to the league phase of the Champions League.
"Whether they are equipped to handle it...well, Celtic proved last year with a couple of good performances - particularly at home - you can qualify.
"I think both clubs, to be brutally honest, are Europa League clubs at this moment in time. They can certainly go further in that tournament
"Celtic have a game against Kairat Almaty of Kazakhstan, and I would expect them to qualify.
"I really would. Rangers have a chance, I would suggest then go in as second favourites, but financially - just to be able to compete - they have to make it through."
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