It is amazing what a solitary goal can do.
Suddenly, players who would hardly have afforded Celtic a second thought are phoning their agents and asking about moves to Scotland now Neil Lennon's side are in the Champions League group stages.
Nir Biton had already committed to the club before James Forrest's late goal moved Celtic beyond Shakhter Karagandy on Wednesday but the 21-year-old Israeli midfielder conceded yesterday that the outcome of that tie had dispelled any lingering doubts about his £700,000 move from FC Ashdod.
Speaking at Celtic's Lennoxtown training complex, with agent Dudu Dahan acting as an interpreter, he was asked if his experience of the game had vindicated his move to Scotland. "Of course," he said. "I was at the game and the fans were something that I have never seen before. The performance was very good. Celtic is a big team so I don't need to speak about the quality of the players here. At Celtic Park everything is open and we can do the impossible.
"When you come to Celtic you expect to win championships and cups and to go as far as you can in the Champions League, and that's what I expect from me and my team. I play in a defensive midfield role but I can play anywhere in the midfield. It is up to me. If I am good enough to play, I will play. If not, I will sit on the bench. When you come to Celtic you are expected to prove yourself. There are very good players here so I expect competition but I believe in myself and if I am good, I will play."
Biton will be in the squad for today's game against Dundee United but admits it is hard not to let his mind wander to the challenge of facing Barcelona, AC Milan and Ajax. "I was in a taxi on the way to my medical yesterday when I heard the draw," he said. "It is the first time that I am going to play against these kind of players. Champions League is a dream of every player.
"I have waited for a long time and I am ready for it. The draw is very tough but in football everything is open. I saw Celtic's game against Barcelona last year at home. It was something that was impossible but Celtic won."
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