Robson targets last eight

Strachan wants side to be fittest in Scotland

By Hayley Paterson   Last updated: 12th July 2008

Robson targets last eight

Robson: High ambitions

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Celtic midfielder Barry Robson will settle for no less than a quarter-final place in the Champions League next season.

The Scottish champions have reached the last 16 in Europe in the last two seasons, but have then failed to progress, losing to the might of AC Milan and Barcelona.

But Robson is confident Gordon Strachan's side can go at least one better this time and reach the final eight.

"We need to try to win every competition you are in at this club and that's what we have to try to do," he said.

"We all know how hard it is in Europe. When you see what these massive clubs are spending, it's quite hard to stay with that.

Realistic

"It's amazing how well we've done so far, but I think we can progress a wee bit more.

"Last eight is realistic, definitely. We have the personnel here to do it."

Celtic are automatically in the group stages of the prestigious tournament with Europe's elite, having won the SPL, whereas their Old Firm rivals Rangers will have a tough start having to qualify before they can get their campaign underway.

And with top European clubs able to dip into the transfer market, Celtic have struggled to flash the cash having only secured one addition in the form of Irish winger Pat McCourt, from Derry City.

Re-think

Manchester City striker Georgios Samaras looks set to make last season's loan deal a permanent transfer to the club, but Strachan may have to re-think the move for Auxerre's Gabriel Tamas - with the Ligue 1 club asking for no less than £5million.

However Robson is remaining optimistic about the club's future and has enjoyed the side's gruelling pre-season so far: "The squad is extremely strong at the moment. There is a lot of competition for places.

"The manager here wants us to be the fittest side in Scotland, and that's what we are trying to achieve."