Celtic style gets Champions League reality check as Hotline issues Paulo Bernardo SOS amid Carter Vickers comedy

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From the high of Leipzig to the relative low of Brugge, it seems the Hotline isn't yet convinced of Celtic's Champions League credentials.

They may be on course for the playoff round but there remains work to do. And sure as night follows day (with their own European game still to come this week - what could possibly go wrong?), Rangers fans are on hand to compare and contrast their own European exploits. But there was also criticism from within the Celtic faithful after an underwhelming outing.

Chris Lowe, Yoker, emailed: "With Celtic’s group full of Europa League teams who are currently sitting 22nd 34th + 35th in a 36 team league, their ex players and media apologists should be embarrassed with the £30 million rated player claims for taking points off these sides. Rangers’ right back finished top scorer in a European competition playing against these same sides."

David Bryce, Troon, said: "Celtic were absolutely woeful against Brugge and were so fortunate to get a draw. The midfield three were a disgrace to the jersey and I’ll never know what Carter-Vickers was thinking about! Rodgers tactics were absolutely dire!"

Rab Picken, London, joked: "Got to say for a defender that was a world class turn and shot for big Carter-Vickers. He gave the keeper no chance must be a 10 million pound striker Celtic have there."

John Caw emailed: "Week in week out I have been waiting for this. Playing out from the back when you don’t have the skill is, as we saw, calamitous. Get away with it in Scotland but playing against better class is a definite no."

Kenny Wilson, Moffat, was more positive but wants to see a change that a few fans are now crying out for. He said: "Celtic were certainly not at their best against a very good Brugge side and probably rode their luck at times but showed a lot of character after the calamitous goal they lost. But a very good point in the end up and keeps us in good position to qualify for the knockout stages but better performances will be needed to do that. Paulo Bernardo is due a run in the team as they were a lot better when he came on and he deserves his chance."

Stephen Mulhern, Dumbarton, said: "After witnessing Celtic being outplayed in the first half most Celtic supporters would have bitten your hand off for a share of the points and for that to materialise in the second half was so satisfying. The disappointment for me however was the failure of our record signing to have a serious impact on the game and Brendan Rodgers must be seriously considering bringing in Bernardo for a extended run in the side."

To domestic issues and the Rangers rivalry with Celtic is dead according to one Hotline regular. Gordon Ashley, Ayr, asked: "What has happened to the standards at Rangers? Fans phoning the Hotline gloating because they might close the gap on Aberdeen to six points and claiming to be part of a rivalry that Celtic no longer take seriously. When they can match the champions for the same period as Aberdeen did then they will be a bigger rival, but those days are over and they know it."

Mark Livingston, Belfast, had a pep talk for the blue half of Glasgow. He emailed: "As a keen Celtic fan I've noticed in recent times that Rangers fans seem to have given up. Football is a strange old game and I genuinely believe they are more than capable of beating Aberdeen to the second spot "

Meanwhile in the capital, Brian, Leith, is not a fan of the goalkeeping options at Hibs. he said: "The goalkeeping standard at Hibs this season reminds me of the bygone days whenever a goalie got sent off or injured, an outfield player would swap strips and take their place in goals, often ending up with a comedy of errors."

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