Alistair Johnston sends firm message to Premiership rivals as Champions League heroics can't halt 'extra motivation'

Alistair Johnston warned Celtic won’t take their eye off the ball in the Premiership despite being dazzled by the Champions League.

The Hoops are in prime position to progress from the group stage in Europe after Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Club Brugge fired the side to within striking distance of the play-off round. Celtic might only be two or three points away from qualifying for the first time since 2013 with a home clash with struggling Young Boys Bern in between trips to Dinamo Zagreb and Aston Villa. Johnston admitted Celts are relishing being in the fight – but the Euro glamour will be put on the back burner as the Parkhead men are gearing up for a massive fortnight on the domestic front.

Brendan Rodgers' Celts face Ross County in Glasgow this weekend before a crucial trip to Pittodrie to take on challengers Aberdeen – with the Premier Sports Cup Final and a showdown with Rangers on the horizon on December 15. Johnston has set his sights on Champions League success – but he is adamant the domestic form will fuel their continental charge.

He said: “It’s goes hand in hand. You know if you do well domestically, you give yourself a chance. If we hopefully win the league this year, you still have to qualify. But these kinds of nights give you extra motivation for the league because you want to be here next year.

“We have so many games, it’s just match after match, so it’s going to be a busy spell. We have such a good squad here though it’s an exciting period and we’re all looking forward to it. Zagreb is a couple of weeks away, so we are focused on County this weekend.

“We have the confidence in the group no matter the game or how hostile the environment – which I’m guessing it’s going to be crazy over there – then we