Martin O'Neill clear on Celtic's Europe and title goals

Asked if domestic success will now take precedence over Europe, O'Neill said: "Well, I was asked that question before. I think the Premiership is very, very important for us, obviously."

Despite missing out on the Champions League, he made it clear his focus remains on progressing in Europe as well as challenging at home. O'Neill said: "But no, while we're here I don't know how it was taken when I mentioned this here.

"No, we're really looking forward to the game, we're ambitious to try and qualify for the knockout stages of the competition, which is sometime in February, so we've got some time to do it."

Celtic have work to do after a disappointing start, but O'Neill says there is no shortage of motivation within his dressing room.

He said: "Obviously we didn't get off to a great start, but the players are looking forward to the games, they want to play, they want to contest European football, so all of those ingredients."

The manager was also quizzed on whether a demanding Thursday-Sunday schedule could impact Celtic's title challenge, particularly with some rivals avoiding the same fixture congestion.

O'Neill admitted a similar spell last season proved difficult for his squad. He said: "We had, last season, I think it must have been some time in March, we had four games in about ten days or something like that, and it was really hectic and it really took its toll."