We belong among elite, says Brown

Scott Brown admits Europa League football would be an anti-climax for Celtic, but is confident they have developed an unshakeable mentality which will ensure they reach the Champions League group stage again.

The Scottish champions fly to Trondheim today for the second leg of a third qualifying round tie against Rosenborg which is finely balanced after a 0-0 draw in Glasgow.

Elimination at this stage would see Celtic handed the consolation of dropping into the Europa League play-off round, but Brown insists they are no longer prepared to settle for second best in continental competition.

“That’s the main thing for us, we want Champions League football,” said the Celtic captain.

“This club deserves it and now we need to go and try and get it. The Europa League is not in our thinking, we want to get into the Champions League. This is the big one. This is a cash windfall for the club as well and this pushes us on to the next level yet again.

“If we can get into it two years in a row it’s great for the club and great for the players’ confidence as well.

“This is a totally different Celtic team from any that I have played in before. We have that belief that we can