Defender hails Hoops’ ‘good progression’

‘Came a long way in a short period’ in Europe, says Sviatchenko

Erik Sviatchenko feels Celtic have shown they belong in the Champions League.

Celtic’s European campaign ended with a second draw against Manchester City on Tuesday, but they might have extended their run beyond Christmas if Callum McGregor had converted a late chance in Monchengladbach.

The Scottish champions secured three points after recovering from a 7-0 thrashing by Barcelona in their opening game, and Sviatchenko described their campaign as “a good progression from the first game to the last”.

With manager Brendan Rodgers insisting he is at Parkhead for the long haul, Sviatchenko is eager to build on the club’s first Champions League group campaign in three seasons.

“For some of us it was the first time ever and I think we dealt with it really well,” the 25-year-old said.

“It was a learning period. Even though we want to achieve more, I think we showed we came a long way in a short period.

“To be unbeaten by Man City over two games…the second Barca game was really good, and the Gladbach game could have gone a bit better, and it might be a different situation. But all in all we can be satisfied with our first Champions League campaign.

“It’s about taking the opportunities when they are there. We have shown we are able to be in this tournament, but it’s about the small margins and we didn’t have them all the time.”

He added: “I think the group of players are really, really good and they have all showed they are capable of being in the Champions League. So that’s the first step.”

Celtic continue their attempts to ensure they are in next summer’s qualifiers when they face Partick Thistle at Firhill tonight.

Partick will take inspiration from Motherwell’s performance against Celtic.

Celtic maintained their unbeaten domestic record and made it 37 points from a possible 39 when they won 4-3 at Fir Park last weekend, but Motherwell gave them a serious fright.

Thistle manager Alan Archibald saw enough to give his side some ideas and hope for their first match against Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic.

The Jags have not won in their last seven home games but came close against Rangers two weeks ago, going down 2-1 to two late goals.

Picture: SNS. Erik Sviatchenko beats Manchester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho to the ball. The defender believes Celtic have shown they can compete in the Champions League.