Alex Jones 
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Pundit Glen Whelan has suggested that Celtic must remain in the Europa League as a minimum if they are to continue to attract talent to Paradise in this transfer window.
Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has held nothing back in the public domain in terms of his willingness to discuss Celtic’s business.
Earlier last week the Greek-Australian tactician, as quoted by the Daily Record, offered a “guarantee” as he claimed the club are “working awfully hard” to bring new players in before the transfer deadline.
The chance for players to test themselves on some of Europe’s biggest stages in terms of competitions is one incentive for a prospective Celtic player.
Whelan spoke to Football Insider as he discussed the paramountcy of Celtic remaining in the UEFA Europa League.
“There is always work going on with new signings,” Whelan claimed.
“Obviously it’s not easy to get bodies through the door. It would be more inviting to top-class players if they know they are playing in the Europa League.
“There’s no doubt about that, that massively changes the calibre of players would could come through the door.
“Everyone wants to play in Europe. There is still a job to do and at the moment, they are getting it done.
“I think there will be some pans burning in the background with players waiting to see if Celtic will be in Europe.”
Having dropped out of the Champions League, Celtic ran out as 7-2 aggregate winners over Czech side FK Jablonec as they entered the Europa League qualifiers.
Celtic now face Dutch side AZ Alkmaar over two legs with the winner taking a Europa League group stage place.
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Whelan’s punditry drills home the importance of victory over their Dutch opponents at European level.
AZ Alkmaar have sold notable top talents in Myron Boadu and Calvin Stengs to AS Monaco and OGC Nice in France respectively, with their main goalkeeper Marco Bizot joining Brest.
The trio of Dutch-to-French club transfers could offer Celtic a timely edge, but Celts will know that the game is won on anything but paper.
Victory or defeat could have a surprisingly buoyant or traumatic effect on Celtic’s ability to secure targets, and Postecoglou knows he will be under pressure to deliver.
