BREN'S HUNG OUT TO SIGH

YOU couldn't state with any degree of accuracy that it isn't worth Celtic's while to qualify for the group stages of the Champions League.

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Not when entry to the competition proper would bring in a fortune to add to the fortune they already have in the bank.

But if Brendan Rodgers’ side do somehow manage to get beyond Kairat Almaty of Kazakhstan in the playoff round with the current squad of players at the manager's disposal there will then come a dilemma.

Because financial profit on a substantial scale will be accompanied by reputational loss at a similarly high level.

In their current state, Celtic can't begin to live with Europe's elite and embarrassment will await them at regular intervals.

But, first of all, responsibility for overcoming Wednesday night's opponents at Celtic Park has become a gamble on the back of allowing last Thursday's deadline for new signings to pass without moving a muscle.

There is an element of the death wish about the way the club's hierarchy are going about their business.