Gio van Bronckhorst fires Celtic a Feyenoord warning shot as former Rangers boss names key to Champions League progress

Giovanni van Bronckhorst has told Feyenoord to show no fear as they prepare to begin their Champions League against Celtic.

The former Rangers boss was the last coach to guide the Eredivisie champions into Europe's top table but now Arne Slot takes them into battle. Van Bronckhorst is currently out of the game after being sacked by Celtic's Premiership rivals last year and has reflected on his Dutch memories in Europe with the De Kuip side.

Brendan Rodgers' men will hope to start their Group E campaign on the right foot, with tough challenges against Atletico Madrid and Lazio also to come. Reminiscing on his time as a Feyenoord player, namely his debut and a 5-1 loss to Juventus, Van Bronckhorst pointed out to Celtic's foes that belief is a huge factor in success on the continent. He said: "I can still see myself walking, prior to that match in Turin, during a city walk with the Feyenoord selection. Spontaneously images flashed through my mind of myself as an up-and-coming talent, sitting in front of the TV when FC Barcelona won the European Cup in 1992 thanks to that long shot from Ronald Koeman.

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"I could see myself again in those moments when the Dream Team once again lived up to its name. And now, one September evening in 1997, I was about to make my debut at the highest club level. Believe me: that does something to you as a young player.

"I naturally remember the feeling that shot through me then, a few hours before that match in Stadio Delle Alpi. Tension, excitement, but above all the feeling of really looking forward to it. Although I knew I would be thrown in at the deep end there, against all those big Juve