Charlie Nicholas has only handed FOUR Celtic players Champions League pass marks with the 'jury out' on a number of players.
Ange Postecoglou's men have been eliminated from Europe altogether after picking up just two draws from their five group outings. They had the chance to keep Europa League qualification hopes alive last week ahead of facing Real Madrid but a share of the spoils at home against Shakhtar Donetsk brought that dream to an end.
It's been a tough return to Europe's top table with Nicholas only handed 'established' tags to Joe Hart, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Josip Juranovic and skipper Callum McGregor. Matt O'Riley - linked with a host of clubs south of the border, including Manchester United - is not far away according to the former Parkhead striker but he believes doubts still surround Jota, Kyogo Furuhashi, Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda. He's in no doubt they have the talent and ability to star on the big stage - but they need to do it regularly and show they've got it.
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Writing in his Daily Express column, he said: "Jota has yet to prove he belongs at Champions League level. That might seem a bit harsh on the Celtic winger as he has missed the last two Group F outings with injury and we all know what a top match-winner he can be on his day, but I'd just love to see it in the Champions League.
"In my view, Ange Postecoglou only has four players who are established at this level in Europe - Joe Hart, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Josip Juranovic and Callum McGregor.
"I don't think Matt O'Riley is too far away and if he continues to progress he will hit those heights. But as well as Jota, the jury is out on Japanese trio Kyogo Furuhashi, Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda.
"There is no question these guys are top players for Celtic in domestic competitions but question marks will remain until they are doing the business on a regular basis in the Champions League.
"There have been fleeting moments here in this season's games against Real Madrid, RB Leipzig and Shakhtar Donetsk but they need to bring more and truly deliver in this competition. I certainly believe they all have the ability and potential - but it is about them showing it.
"They need to use tomorrow's group curtain-closer against Real to prove to their manager that they are good enough to help Celtic take the next step in the Champions League."
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