Joe Ledley: 'Celtic's Euro experience can land us Champions League spot'

Joe Ledley scores on Celtic's trip to France to face Rennes© SNS Group

Celtic’s rollercoaster Europa League adventure will stand the team in good stead for an assault on the Champions League, according to Joe Ledley.

The Welsh midfield star learned from playing the likes of Atletico Madrid, Udinese and Stade Rennes last season and believes Neil Lennon’s side will use the experience gained to progress in the new season.

Speaking to the Daily Record, Ledley said: “It’s been four years since Celtic last made it to the group stages of the Champions League so that’s a big incentive in itself.

“We have a young squad but we dealt with Europe in a satisfactory way last season when that seemed unlikely after the start we made against Sion.

“I believe all of us gained from the experience of playing in that group. Atletico Madrid went on to win the competition and we ran them close at Celtic Park, and we didn’t lose to the Italians or the French either home or away.

“This time we have the chance to qualify for the Champions League and that’s a massive incentive after the loss of Rangers from our domestic competition.”

Ledley, 25, said that the squad had returned from the summer break “in fantastic shape” and he said the Hoops will be in their best form physically and psychologically for 2012/13.

The former Cardiff City ace added: “The players who had to gel last term have had a year together now and the squad is in fantastic shape, which it will have to be if we want to make it into the biggest club competition in the world.

“My mindset is that Celtic have to show an entire country what we can do.”

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