BIG INTERVIEW ExclusIVE

LUBO MORAVCIK believes Celtic have gone back to the future in their search for a Champions League group place.

The Hoops host Israeli title winners Hapoel Be’er Sheeva on Wednesday night in the first part of a double-header which could lead to UEFA’s Promised Land.

In what was a hugely productive spell with the Parkhead club between 1998 and 2002, the little Slovakian won two Premier League Championships, a Scottish Cup, two League Cups and the lasting affection of Hoops fans, young and old.

However, much of the credit for his success he hands to Martin O’Neill, the Irishman’s arrival at the club in 2000 having ushered in a revolution in terms of the club’s approach to recruitment and playing style.

Moravcik finds himself reminded of that whirlwind by all the changes currently taking place at Celtic Park.

“With Brendan Rodgers in charge now, just as it was in our early days with Martin, there seems to be a real sense of renewed hope around the club,” he said.

“And he is just one option open to Brendan.

“Moussa Dembele is an important player, Leigh Griffiths is very good and Patrick Roberts is another who can bring a lot of hope for success through his talent.

“So the manager now has a lot of choices in the attacking areas, which is important because it means he is able to try different things to find the creativity they need on the pitch.

“I see a lot of young players being brought through, too, which makes me think Celtic are working hard on all fronts.”

Moravcik, who fulfilled a career ambition when helping the Hoops to their famous 4-3 victory over Juventus in the Champions League group stages 15 years ago, knows only too well, however, that how they fare in the play-off will determine how their season is judged.

“We all know the games against Hapoel Be’er Sheva are going to be very important,” said the 51-year-old.

“Football is a business and qualifying for the Champions League will bring in more money for the club.

“If they lose, there will still be the Europa League group to look forward to.

“But that is not the competition players dream of when they are fighting to establish themselves as professional footballers.

“Playing against the very best teams amid the exposure you get in the Champions League proper gives players more confidence and boosts the profile of the club throughout Europe .

“So, for a lot of reasons, it would be great if Celtic can get through this stage.

“It will not be easy. The Israeli