GROWTH INDUSTRY

Hoops boss Ange says he’ll keep making effort to build his vision

ANGE POSTECOGLOU admits some may find his ambitions too lofty.

But that’s not going to stop the Celtic boss believing he can reach his targets.

And as Postecoglou looked around at a dressing room full of shattered stars in Leverkusen and saw the deepest disappointment in their eyes, those feelings just heightened.

He wants things to happen quickly. And although there may have been a lack of composure in the closing stages in Germany, there was no lack of courage.

Asked what was realistic for Celtic in Europe and whether clubs from nations such as Scotland have little chance against top German opposition, Postecoglou said: “I don’t want to look at it like that.

“I just want to compete at the highest possible level and develop a team that can play against the best on the continent.

“That’s my ambition and whether that’s too lofty or too unrealistic for others I don’t know.

“But I believe we can get there over time. Particularly if we take the approach we did in Germany.” Ahead of tomorrow’s visit of Aberdeen, Postecoglou (below) added: “It’s hard for me to ask people to be patient. People can make their own assessments based on what they see. “Some people might look at it and see results like Leverkusen and think we’re not there.

“Others might see that we’re developing and think that through this Europa League tournament we’ve got stronger. We’re not at Bayer Leverkusen’s level, absolutely not. “But that is where we want to get to and we went out there and hung in there and gave ourselves a chance for a result and also found out that while the gap is there, I think it’s smaller than it was the last time we played them.

Not many teams go there and score two goals away from home and, in the end we realise there is still a gap.

“But my goal anyway is to build a team that bridges that gap.”

Tom Rogic could return to face the Dons and Nir Bitton will be assessed after suffering a head knock in Germany.