Strachan maintains Euro ambition

Strachan is eager to make the next step in Europe

Gordon Strachan says Celtic must maintain domestic success to realise their ambition of reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Celtic have reached the last 16 round of the tournament twice but have picked up just one point from three group games in this year's competition.

"We continue the dream and the dream is to get to the last eight," said the Celtic boss.

"To do that, we have to win leagues and we've done that the last three years."

AC Milan required extra-time to beat Celtic in the last 16 round two years ago, a tie that Strachan says was on a knife edge and saw Shunsuke Nakamura denied a penalty.

Media conference: Celtic manager Gordon Strachan

"The year before last, Nakamura got brought down in the box with four minutes to go against AC Milan who eventually became champions," said the manager.

"If that went in, we were in the last eight, a place we have not been in before.

"That shows you that the dream must be kept alive. We keep the dream of progressing as far as we can.

"One decision could mean being in the last eight.

"We have got ourselves into the position of playing in the Champions League because of our guts, determination and ability and we are proud of that."