Celtic hero asks why Rangers are focused on them with others 'breathing down their necks' for second

Johan Mjallby is convinced Brendan Rodgers has assembled a Celtic squad that can concentrate on cracking the Champions League – while leaving Rangers in a serious scrap to claim second.

The Hoops legend has been blown away by his old club’s blistering start to the season and Sunday’s Old Firm dismantling. Mjallby has also been seriously impressed with the work done in the transfer market, even if Parkhead chiefs left it until late on deadline day. The departure of Matt O’Riley in a deal worth up to £30m could have caused a problem.

But Rodgers swooped for £11m Belgian international Arne Engels and with Austin Trusty, Alex Valle and Luke McCowan on board, Mjallby believes the Irishman has the tools to romp the league and make an impact among on the continent. Celts have been handed home ties against Slovan Bratislava, RB Leipzig, Club Brugge and Young Boys with trips to Borussia Dortmund, Atalanta, Aston Villa and Dinamo Zagreb. And Mjallby is convinced there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic.

The big Swede – speaking on the Premier Sport Social Club – said: “Celtic will go from strength to strength. Last season we could fault them a wee bit, as they were not playing the best football until the last two or three months of the season. But from day one in pre-season they have been absolutely brilliant.

“It was a big loss losing Matt O’Riley, but they made £26m and have signed some really good players that can do well domestically and in the Champions League. They have a good chance in the four home games. It’s a very settled squad now. I was impressed with the work they did in the window.

“It’s always hard. People want them to splash the O’Riley cash but it’s not that easy, as that is the £10m bracket, where there’s no