"It'd be massive..": Journalist reveals Celtic could get "big windfall" in coming weeks

If Celtic manage to qualify for the Champions League this season, then it would be a ‘massive’ achievement, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

Ange Postecoglou’s charges are enjoying a stellar campaign and are currently sitting six points clear of their nearest rivals at the top of the Scottish Premiership table.

There was much scepticism surrounding Celtic at the start of 2021/22 after they finished a whopping 25 points behind champions Rangers last term and lost several key first-team stars.

The arrival of the relatively unknown Postecoglou didn’t dampen any lingering fears either, and three defeats in their opening six league games added to the sense of unrest surrounding Parkhead.

However, Celtic have gone unbeaten in their subsequent 27 top-flight fixtures, including two Old Firm derby victories, to take control of the title race.

And the winners of this season’s Premiership crown will have the added bonus of automatic qualification into the Champions League group stages.

According to FootballTransfers, the Hoops would receive a guaranteed £13 million for reaching Europe’s elite cup competition, receiving an additional £2.3m for every victory and £778,000 for every draw in the group stages.

Last term, it was reported that Rangers were awarded just £5m for claiming the SPFL title, highlighting how important proceeds from the Champions League could be, and O’Rourke believes the ‘windfall’ could help Celtic ‘move even further ahead’ of their nearest challengers.

TITLE DECIDER! Man City vs Liverpool preview on The Football Terrace…

He told GiveMeSport: “It’d be massive for any big Scottish clubs to get in the Champions League with the finances that come with it, it can really benefit them in the transfer market