DESMOND’S TARGETING A SWEET 16 FOR HOOPS

Celtic Aberdeen, Hampden, tomorrow, 3.00pm

DERMOT DESMOND insists Celtic’s next target is to reach the Champions League last 16. The club’s majority shareholder insists Brendan Rodgers (above) is desperate to lead his side into the knockout stages of European football’s premier competition. Celtic will tomorrow have the chance to clinch the Treble when Rodgers’ all-conquering stars face Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup Final at Hampden. The Hoops have enjoyed a flawless campaign domestically, sealing six titles in a row and claiming the Betfred Cup. But Desmond (inset) has revealed next season’s goal lies in Europe. The Irishman said: “The ambition is always to further our position in Europe, get into the group stage in the first instance, qualify for that, and then get out of the group stage to the last 16. “That’s what we’re aiming for, that’s what the manager has set his sights on and we’re looking for continuous improvement at the club.” Desmond, meanwhile, insists he is not counting his chickens ahead of the national stadium showpiece against the Dons. He added: “When they’ve won all matches in Scotland bar four draws, it’s been a great accomplishment by the team and by the manager and I’m looking forward to the final. “It’s not a foregone conclusion. It will be a tough match, we always have a tough match against Aberdeen. “We’re there and we’re competing for the treble.”

The ambition is always to progress the club and further our progression in Europe