Beaming Kris Boyd trolls Celtic as Rangers hero offers Champions League reminder with brutal mic drop

Smirking Kris Boyd couldn't resist a pot shot at Celtic - despite admitting Brendan Rodgers' side have a good chance of making their mark on the Champions League.

The Scottish champions kick-off their league phase campaign against Slovan Bratislava and go into the opener as favourites on their own patch. The Celtic fans are hopeful that they can get off to a winning start at a sold out Parkhead and make a push for a spot in the top 24 to earn a play-off spot.

The revamped league phase format means Celtic's Euro campaign will continue into January at least as all teams play eight games instead of six - with the Hoops taking on Borussia Dortmund, Atalanta, RB Leipzig, Club Brugge, Dinamo Zagreb, Young Boys and Aston Villa after their clash with the Slovakian champions. And Rangers hero Boyd felt the fixtures draw had been kind to the Premiership leaders.

He told Sky Sports: "I think they've got more of a chance of qualifying because of the new format. With the home games, Celtic will fancy themselves to pick up some decent points.

"They've got some difficult away games but you look at Dinamo Zagreb last night, Celtic have got to think 'Can we go to Croatia and get something or beat them?'. Take RB Leipzig out of it, the other three home games gives Celtic a really good chance of picking up victories."

However, he couldn't resist a jab at Celtic's recent record in Europe - which has seen them struggle to emerge from the group stage in Europe's elite competition and the Europa League. Having the final word on air, Boyd said: "I think the draw has been kind to them.

"The format has definitely enhanced their chances of qualifying for that knockout stage shall we say? Celtic fans might get to see their team play in Europe