Robben: Hoops can reach the Europa final

From Back Page their target of Europa League knockout football after Christmas.

Martin O’Neill led Celtic to the UEFA Cup Final in 2003 and Robben reckons reaching the showpiece in Lyon this season is a realistic target.

He said: “Celtic have a great chance to progress in the Europa League, especially at Parkhead with that kind of crowd.

“If it’s 14 years since they reached a European final I wish them all the best and hope they can be successful and maybe get there again. I really enjoyed the atmosphere. The fans are something special. That is something that can be very helpful – it’s one of the best I’ve seen in Europe.

“They gave me a great reception when I came off and that was very respectful. I’m very thankful for that because it’s not usual.”

Robben moved to Chelsea in 2004 in a £12million deal from PSV and Rodgers arrived at Stamford Bridge at the same time as academy coach.

The Bayern star admitted he knew Rodgers was destined to reach the top in management – that’s why Celtic’s impressive performance and style of play on Tuesday night came as no surprise to the former Holland star.

There were some scary moments for the German giants with Callum McGregor cancelling out Kingsley Coman’s opener before Javi Martinez headed Bayern’s winner.

And Robben said: “I see a more European than British style in the way Celtic play. That’s why you have to give a big compliment to Brendan.

“You can see his print on the team, the way they want to play. They want to play football, build up from the back and they did very well.

“I know Brendan from Chelsea. I trained with him a few times and played one or two friendly matches when I was coming back from injury.

“I really liked his philosophy and the way he thinks about football, trying to play attacking football.

“You could see he would progress – and it’s great for Celtic to get him.”

The Hoops head to the Parc des Princes next to face PSG and hope Bayern can do them a favour by winning at Anderlecht the same night.