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Qualification for the Champions League could be crucial if Celtic are to attract some quality players to the club, Martin O’Neill has said. The Hoops are set to face Austrian side LASK tonight in the first leg of their qualifier before making the trip to the Raiffeisen Arena in Linz next Tuesday. Winning the tie will see Celtic enter the Champions League league stage and everything that comes with it – fantastic nights at Celtic Park, prize money and, importantly, another selling point in the transfer market. Celtic haven’t been the busiest in the transfer market so far. They’ve made just four signings, although the quality of the additions is clear and around £30m has been spent. Arne Engels still needs to be replaced, while a left-back and goalkeeper are also needed. If we’re being picky, another few could arrive, while any further outgoings would need to be replaced. But getting into the Champions League could help with that, Martin O’Neill insists. “I often think there are some teams in the Europa League that are Champions League material, teams like Stuttgart last year. “But overall, my experience of last season (in the Europa) would suggest you would need strength in depth to keep a level domestically and cope with these Champions League games in midweek. “If we can progress, you’d think then there are some players you are looking at and who might be dallying, they might think the Champions League is worthwhile going for. “I think if you did qualify for the Champions League, even though you only have a period of a week or something, you might be able to attract other players from that viewpoint. “So, it’s got all its merits, of course, financially. “But for me, it’s the prestige as much as anything else.” [Daily Mail] O’Neill knows better than most what Champions League nights mean to Celtic, and the competition can offer more than just a financial boost. It’s been 20 years since he was on the Celtic touchline for a Champions League match. Let’s hope he has a successful return.