Gary Lineker explains how Celtic have impressed him in the Champions League but 'in a weird way'

Away from the domestic action tonight, Celtic do have more work to do in the Champions League this season if they want to progress out of the group stage.

After Celtic hammered Slovan Bratislava 5-1 at Parkhead, hopes were high amongst the fans that this could be the year that the Parkhead club make it out of the league phase.

However, the Celtic support was brought back down to earth with a bang after the Hoops’ heavy 7-1 defeat at the hands of Borussia Dortmund just two short weeks later.

Optimism quickly returned after Celtic drew 0-0 with Atalanta last week. And now, with four points on the board and two of the toughest fixtures out of the way, Brendan Rodgers’ team has a real opportunity to get into the last 16 of the tournament for the first time since 2013.

And that has led to Gary Lineker sharing why he has been impressed with Celtic so far amongst Europe’s elite teams.

Gary Lineker backs Celtic to progress in the Champions League

Reviewing the progress of some of the Champions League surprise packages, Lineker gave Celtic a mention alongside two other clubs.

Lineker told The Rest Is Football, “I was going to say Villa. Three wins from three, you’d have to say them. “Well, the three English teams are top, aren’t they, with Manchester City and Liverpool as well.

“So I’d say Brest, the team in France, who are going really well. Two wins and a draw, which is, I think, pretty impressive.

Celtic’s remaining Champions League fixtures, dates and kick-off times

As Celtic’s fixture list becomes more hectic, here 67 Hail Hail takes a look at the remaining games Rodgers needs to negotiate in UEFA’s flagship tournament’s league phase: