Celtic manager Neil Lennon has issued praise for Rangers after strong Europa League results for both teams on Thursday night, as quoted by the Daily Record.
In European competition, good performances can actually be mutually beneficial, in the form of improvements to Scotland’s UEFA coefficient.
With the Gers securing an impressive draw away at Porto this week and Celtic beating Lazio at Parkhead, that overall score was significantly boosted. If things continue this way, qualification routes to European competitions are likely to become easier from next season.
“It’s important that we add some gravitas back to the game and both the clubs are doing their best to bring that,” said Lennon, as quoted by the Daily Record. “I don’t believe that the Champions League is way beyond any Scottish club. In time, we will be there again and challenging and, hopefully, breaking the ceiling of the last 16 again.”
“Both teams are in the Europa League at the minute and performing very well. It’s the competition we are in, so we have to maximise what we have in it.”
Verdict
It’s a rare situation where good results for Celtic could be considered a positive for Rangers in the long-term and vice-versa.
Yet, with both teams faring well so far in their respective groups, Scotland’s coefficient position is looking much better.
The nation is now 18th in the UEFA table and just one spot away from reducing the number of Champions League qualifying rounds for the 2019/20 Premiership winners [Daily Record].
Having now faced all three other sides in Group G, Rangers know they are certainly able to compete and are capable of kicking on to reach the knockout stages.
Next up for the Gers are Porto at Ibrox in a fortnight, and they’ll be looking to draw on the atmosphere to secure a massive three points.
