REFLECTING ON SUCCESS
Jimmy Johnstone with the
European Cup and the Celtic
legend is hoping that the Hoops
can do well in the tournament
this season, although they have
a long way to go to match the
achievements of the Lisbon
Lions squad, pictured far left
that's when people can sometimes start to panic a little.
"However, so long as we go out there with the same
attitude that we showed over there I think it would
be very difficult to see Ajax coming back into the tie.
If we come out still playing football and get another
goal then their heads will go down right away.
"As I said, I thought everyone played very well
over there, particularly the defence as well as the two
wingers, and if we make sure there's no room for Ajax
to play again I think our name will be in the hat for
the group stages.
"It would make no difference who we get drawn
against in the group stages, the most important thing
is just to be there, and in among the big guns."
Should Celtic complete the task they started a
couple of weeks ago fans will be treated to a fantastic
array of football that will involve some of Europe's
top teams coming to Celtic Park.
For Johnstone, the return of European glory nights
is no less than what the Hoops fans deserve: "The
supporters deserve to see the team playing alongside
the best teams in Europe and they will love the big
nights at Celtic Park.
"They deserve it because they have put so much
into the club and given their support through many
barren years, and now I think we are genuinely on the
tip of an iceberg. There is no reason why we can't go
on now and enjoy some European success and get
ourselves up among the very best."
Johnstone knows all too well about the demanding
nature of an exacting European run, but having watched
the transformation of the team under O'Neill he is all
set to relish the exciting prospect of watching his team
deal with the best in the business.
It would be a bit premature to start dreaming of a
repeat performance of the feats enjoyed by Johnstone
and his colleagues, but while the team continue to
improve and develop under the guidance of the
Irishman, there is a real possibility that there will
be plenty to cheer throughout what promises to be
another spine-tingling season.
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