Exclusive: Reaction as Celtic could be 90 minutes from huge windfall | OneFootball

Uefa plans for Celtic to be 90 minutes away from a stunning £30million-plus windfall have got ex-stars talking.

Ex-Aberdeen and Leeds United striker Noel Whelan, speaking exclusively to Football Insider correspondent Dylan Childs, suggested a one-off qualification tie will be “more exciting” with so much at stake.

As reported by Football Insider, UEFA are considering scrapping two-legged, home and away qualification ties in favour of a one-off, winner-takes-all fixture at a neutral stadium.

The governing body is looking into how Europe’s elite competitions, the Champions League and Europa League can function amid the Coronavirus pandemic.

It is expected that the period in which European qualification fixtures can be completed will be drastically shortened with most domestic leagues still suspended.

When asked by Football Insider how the change could affect the Hoops chances of qualifying for the Champions League group stages, Whelan said: “In competitions, you have got to beat the best, home or away.

“Even if it is a one-legged tie they know what they need to do. The aim is still the same whether you are home, away or at a neutral stadium – you have to win.

“It makes it a little bit more interesting, a little bit more exciting.

“It will be a little bit more difficult for certain teams but this is football right now. We have to roll with the times and people have got to understand that.”

The Bhoys have not qualified for the group stages of the Champions League since the 2017/18 season under Brendan Rodgers.

That year’s qualification into Europe’s elite competition brought earned the club a handsome £32million windfall – a sum that would be hugely welcomed at Parkhead this year amid much financial uncertainty.

In other Celtic news, Paul Robinson has told Football Insider teenage target could make an immediate impact on the first-team if signed this summer.