Chris Sutton names 'sad thing' about Celtic in the Champions League that means improvement is STILL essential

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Chris Sutton has named four stand out Celtic traits at Bayern Munich - but admits it's "sad" his former side will have to navigate the Champions League qualifiers next season.

Brendan Rodgers' men put in a performance to be proud of at the Allianz Arena and looked to be heading for extra-time with Nicolas Kuhn's strike the difference between the two sides in Germany after a 2-1 defeat the previous week in Glasgow. However, Alphonso Davies broke Hoops hearts in the final seconds of added-time to send the Bundesliga giants into the next stage.

Celtic created numerous chances and Record Sport'sSutton admitted he felt sick for the players after the way their elimination unfolded. The big name pundit also heaped praise on Rodgers for the campaign at Europe's top table. He will already be looking to get back to the big time next season - although Sutton admits it is "sad thing in many ways" that his old club need to overcome a QUALIFIER in order to join the party. He also believes one thing for Celtic to seriously consider is getting a stronger bench in order to really kick on.

Speaking on the Daily Mail's 'It's All Kicking Off' podcast, Sutton said: "I felt sick for the players. Just based on the way that they went to Munich. The expectation at Bayern Munich at the start of the season is to win the Bundesliga, win the Champions League. To win everything. That is just the expectation. I think their home record this season, they've scored a barrel load of goals and I think they've won 14 out of 16. I think they lost to Leverkusen in the German Cup at the Allianz and drew with them as well. Other than that they have wiped the floor with everybody.

"To then watch Celtic, who for the first 45 minutes of the game at Celtic Park where thoroughly outplayed then got a bit of confidence after 2-0 down strangely enough, finish the game strongly in the last 25 minutes. Maybe they got confidence from that. But the balance they played with. Every thing this season for Celtic was always going to be judged on the Champions League.

"For this Celtic team to go and play with maturity, balance, carry a threat and create the better chances - in the first half especially - speak volumes about how far the club have come on. That is a testament to Brendan Rodgers who first took over at Celtic and was really successful domestically was always viewed in Europe as too gung-ho and only having that approach.

"But I thought they played with real composure, balance and mixed the game at a whirlwind. Played through Bayern Munich from deep at times but also, their game understanding and missing out the midfield and going direct into the front guys. I thought they were really impressive. They didn't deserve it to end that way.

"It would have only gone to extra-time and being honest, Bayern Munich last 15-20 minutes. Celtic maybe ran out of legs a little bit. One thing to look at is maybe Celtic could have had a stronger bench or if they want to really kick on, that is something to consider, trying to strengthen the squad. But all things being equal it is now a foothold in the Champions League.

"But the sad thing in many ways is that Celtic need to go through a qualifier at the start of the next season. It was a brilliant campaign and a lot to be excited about. And we can be excited."

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