WE ALL live in hope.

Unfortunately for Celtic, we also live in Scotland.

While I can understand why Peter Lawwell still longs to involve the club in English football, where the rewards from TV, etc, are so much greater, the reality is that we are where we are.

And there appears little chance of that changing.

So it's important the club continues to live within its means, and mines every revenue seam available to them.

They should be applauded for securing an improved kit sponsorship deal with New Balance.

This company has shown a willingness to take on the big boys, Nike, at their own game.

Celtic have to continue to try and do the same thing, in their case, in terms of the Champions League.

The club has to continue to improve the deals they strike with their core sponsors, like their kit manufacturer and shirt sponsor.

But they also have to do all they can to invest the money this generates into making a success of the real game changer - qualification for the Champions League.

Peter has admitted they knew it was going to be tough this time around because Ronny Deila was just in the door when the qualifiers had to be played, and that it was going to be a period of transition for the new manager as he started to make the changes he wanted.

But Champions League money is such a big factor in Celtic's annual turnover - and, they really can't afford to miss out on it for a second year.

So, they have to be prepared for the qualifiers and play offs this summer.

Their performances against Inter Milan - with the two January signings, Gary Mackay-Steven and Stuart Armstrong, playing well - showed they are getting there.

This is what they have to focus on. Not trying to get to a league which is beyond their reach

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