The former Aberdeen striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed Ange Postecoglou will be “desperate” for European success.

As quoted by the Scottish Sun (13 February), Postecoglou insisted he “wants to go deep in every competition” when asked about the prospects of winning the all-new Europa Conference League.

He also said he “took Australia to a World Cup and thought I could win it”, before remarking “I know people will say I’m being ridiculous but that’s just the way I’m made up”.

Celtic start their newest European adventure with a home clash against Norweigan league winners Bodo/Glimt tomorrow (17 February).

Whelan suggested the Hoops players will be “licking their lips” at the thought of going far in the competition.

“The way Celtic are going, they’ll be going into it wanting to win the competition,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.

“They’re in stellar form in league and cup, so that will
just be the expectation around the place at the moment. I know Postecoglou will
be desperate to win it.

“The club won’t be turning their nose up at the money it
could bring in and the prestige of a European trophy, even if it’s the
inaugural season.

“The players will be licking their lips at the prospect of going up against some of the best teams in Europe.”

Celtic enter the Europa Conference League having dropped out of the Europa League last year.

Bodo/Glimt recorded a famous 6-1 win over Jose Mourinho’s Roma in the group stage of the competition earlier this season.

In other news, Frank McAvennie ‘wowed’ by ‘incredible’ thing he heard ‘livid’ Postecoglou do.

This article was originally posted here