Hartson: Reaching knockout stages would be success for Celtic – Why this must be the target
Oliver Birch 
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John Hartson believes Celtic’s Europa League campaign will be a successful one if they make it past the group stages; a very accurate point given how tricky Group E appears.
According to Football FanCast, Hartson believes it will be a tough ask to make it past the group stage but that is what it will take to class the Europa League campaign as a success.
I think success would be to get out of the group – it’s not an easy group. And then obviously go one step further, get past the last 32 and into the last 16. I think that would be success for Neil Lennon.
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While Group E will be a challenge for Celtic, the Hoops stand a good chance of making it through, and aiming for progression to the knockout stages must be the target.
After falling to defeat against CFR Cluj earlier this season, taking six points off the Romanian side appears a must for Celtic if they are to gain revenge and progress, given how Dan Petrescu’s side are the weakest in the group on paper.
Trips to Rennes and Lazio will certainly be a tough test for the Hoops, but both sides have a shaky history away from home in Europe recently, meaning Celtic’s home ties will also be key in their knockout round ambitions.
