Monday 14 July 2014 22:08, UK
Kris Commons believes it is vital for Scottish football for Celtic to have a long run in Europe this year.
With bitter rivals Rangers plying their trade in the Championship along with newly-relegated Edinburgh giants Hearts and Hibernian, the Scottish Premiership does not look as imposing as it once did.
Commons admits Celtic will be heavily favoured in all domestic competitions and believes they may have to look to Europe for challenges that will really excite Scottish football fans.
"I think essentially, European football keeps everyone interested, not only at Celtic, but in Scotland," he said ahead of the clash with KR Reykjavik of Iceland on Tuesday night in the first leg of the Champions League second-round qualifier.
"We have lost a couple of big hitters from the top flight and I think it would be vital for entertainment value that we are coming up against Europe's elite.
"We are expected to win the league and go close in every cup competition and there is always that pressure on us.
"But for our own personal pride and personal achievements, the Champions League is the best place to be, and we want to be putting ourselves up against Europe's elite."
