Celtic's 3-0 victory over LASK at Parkhead has put the club on the brink of a £40m Champions League cash boost, prompting several club legends to urge the board to reinvest in the squad.
The Austrian champions were brushed aside by the Hoops as Benjamin Nygren's wonder strike coupled with a deadly double from Camilo Duran put the Champions League within touching distance.
Pundits Call for Further Investment
Martin O'Neill takes his side overseas for the away leg next week knowing that a major collapse would be required to halt Celtic's surge towards the league phase. If they see the tie out then a £40m cash boost will hit the Celtic Park coffers.
With new recruits Mika Baur, Kasper Hogh and Duran already impressing, some keen pundits have already started plotting the next moves.
Pat Bonner told the BBC Sportsound: "He (Martin O'Neill) knows they (LASK) just kept going and going, and almost got a goal tonight that changed the complexion of the game. He knows if that happens if that happens early out in Austria that changes things. I think he will take as much satisfaction out of the shut out. I think not conceding is critical. £5million for Camilo Duran is nothing in the current climate. It's big for Scottish football, but in the grand scheme of things it's nothing. When you are up there against the big boys in the Champions League it's nothing - but I think to get those boys in for that money is brilliant."
Players and Pundits Praise the Performance
Scott Brown told the BBC Sportsound: "It's good for the punters to come along and see the transformation under Martin from what it was last season to what it is now. He has got a proper pre-season, he has got his own players in - £5million and £10million is not a lot of money for players now, and to get them in for that is incredible. The players that are coming in here have to work hard to make sure they can get the best they possibly can get here."
Joe Hart said: "I absolutely loved being here tonight. It felt really special. I think LASK played their part - it wasn't a perfect performance by Celtic. But it was three goals of the highest quality. Camilo Duran can be so proud of himself, he really announced himself. A top, top night - something that has proven difficult for Celtic over the years, but they have put themselves in a really good position."
Kasper Schmeichel said: "As a player you have to not get carried away into that emotion. You have the massive emotion of winning the league in the 90th minute, you have to carry that over. When you are at Celtic you are in the unfortunate position that you are doing to lose players, but they have kept going, they have found new players and had to be creative.
"But the most important thing is this place [Celtic Park] and the unity. Last year there was a lot going on off the field, and as a player it was uncomfortable. But, they have come in this season. They have not had any issues off the pitch, it has been nice and quiet. It also helps that the team across the road isn't doing too well. It all factors in."
Areas for Improvement Identified
Pat Nevin said on BBC's Match of the Day: "Martin O'Neill will be more excited than he is letting on, because he has every right to be excited about that group."
James McFadden said on BBC's Match of the Day: "I think Alistair Johnston being out injured again - they need a right-back. They need cover for Kieran Tierney. They need another midfielder who can go in alongside Callum McGregor in the midfield, but I think the most important thing is you try to improve. Celtic have done that, I think they have all come in and done that.
"I know Hassan has come on and not had as big an impact, but Baur comes in and looks like a Reo Hatate regen. There is work to be done. I think a goalkeeper as well to challenge Sinisalo as well, who I thought was excellent. But the business that has been done has been very good."
