How 7 elite pundits saw Celtic's flying Champions League start as Jamie Carragher drops allegiance and knockout hype builds
Celtic have got everyone talking after their impressive Champions League opener.
And the pundits have issued a string of glowing report cards for Brendan Rodgers' side after their thumping win over Slovan Bratislava - with some now expecting big things from the Scottish champions in Europe this season. While their storming start to the Premiership campaign has been noted by the pundits north of the border, the eye-catching demolition of the Slovakian champions has earned rave reviews from across the globe.
But now some are starting to look at them as contenders for a deep run in the competition - with three wins likely to put the club on the brink of the knockout rounds. After a big night in Glasgow's east end, Record Sport takes a look at what some of the top pundits have to say.
Julien Laurens
"Three wins (are needed to get through) and three of the games are at home. Young Boys at home and Leipzig, something like that, or Dinamo Zagreb away for example that gives them a high percentage (chance) of going through to the last 32. For the last 16 it's a bit more difficult - but with four home games and a draw away from home they could be there."
Stephen Warnock
"They have a real chance of going through. A couple more victories and a draw will probably see them through. They will fancy their chances. They will earmark all the home games and think if they can get through them that gives them a great chance of going through."
Jamie Carragher
On CBS, the Liverpool legend was quick to name Liam Scales his 'Heineken half-time moment'. He said: “It’s at Celtic and it’s from a set-piece. It’s that man, a defender, Liam Scales and he is going to be on the ales tonight.”
Fellow pundit Micah Richards would then press Carragher on if he had an allegiance to Celtic or Rangers. He responded: "I'm Celtic." The pundit has previously talked up his liking for the blue half of Glasgow - but in fairness his old pal Steven Gerrard was there at the time...
Joe Hart
"An incredible performance - and let me tell you that place is special on Champions League nights. For Celtic to start how they did, for the performance, that passion and energy from the crowd, from the players, from Brendan Rodgers, it was an incredible game to watch. They would have earmarked this game. They would have seen Slovan Bratislava as a great opportunity, but Celtic haven't necessarily taken those opportunities in recent times, even when I've been there.
"From the moment the game started, on the front foot. Nicolas Kuhn, energy, putting pressure on. Daizen Maeda setting the tone. Slovan Bratislava must have thought, 'what has hit us?'. I love the fact that they played so well and I'm absolutely buzzing for them."
Joe Cole
"A club like Celtic, they bring so much to the Champions League. It really is special, it's got something.
"You want them to do well, you're rooting for them. The way they won (the game), Brendan has them playing so well. They've got a lot of quality. I don't expect them to be one of the top eight, no one is, but a playoff place and keep going in the tournament - that will be good."
Rory Smith
"There is a side benefit (to the new format) for those kinds of middle class clubs, if you like, like Celtic and like Brugge, who are kind of reliant on the draw. You look at last year and you see Feyenoord and Atletico Madrid and you kind of go 'this is possible'. If you were draw with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich you were done. Now, they can look at it and think Celtic need to win two more games before January and they might squeeze in. Ideally you win another three and you get in comfortably."
Neil Lennon
"For the first time in a long time for this competition they have strength in depth. Coming off the bench last night you had Forrest and Idah who combined for the fifth goal. The Japanese players were fantastic. It was a fantastic performance from Maeda. I think Brendan's pre-season has been seamless. They lost O'Riley have bought well. There is a lot of optimism this season."