Callum McGregor argues Celtic aren't 'alone' in Champions League failure as he points to Man United in defence case

Callum McGregor reckons Manchester United’s exit just underlines the levels needed to succeed in the cut-throat Champions League.

But the Celtic skipper hopes victory over Feyenoord can offer belief that his team are moving in the right direction and prove a marker point. McGregor and his side ended their Group E campaign on a high with a victory over Feyenoord. Their final tally of four points was not enough to prevent them finishing bottom of the section, but the strength of the elite competition has been displayed in the shape of others who have also propped up their groups.

Celtic won four points and United finished bottom of their section with the same tally, while Newcastle also went out. Spanish La Liga outfit Sevilla finished bottom of their group with two points, as did German Bundesliga side Union Berlin. McGregor says that offers perspective as, when it was put to him, he explained: “Yeah, we’re not alone in that at all. There’s big teams around the world that are struggling to get through this competition, so we have to take that as well and understand where we are.

“But also use it as a positive to continue to push and, if the club wants to be a Champions League team, then that is the level you have to be at. We’ve been in every game. That is just this level. Manchester United struggled to get through and that’s a huge club all around the world. The level is not easy by any stretch.

“But, if we want to be in it and feel competitive in the games which we have been, it’s then just that next bit about adding experience and quality and then your home games become so important for you. Again, hopefully that against Feyenoord will give everyone positive signs in terms of that, hopefully, we are going in the right