Celtic hero Paul Lambert understands Ange Postecoglou's Champions League frustrations.

The Hoops finished bottom of a group which included European champions Real Madrid, RB Leipzig and Shakhtar Donetsk.

Postecoglou could be seen visibly annoyed on the sidelines during the competition and the former Scotland international sympathises with Aussie's frustrations.

However, he feels the Parkhead boss and his players will be better for the experience.

Speaking to the Daily Record, he said: "I could sense the hurt and disappointment coming through in Ange’s post-match interviews after their defeats against Real Madrid.

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"They’d been the better team and created the better chances for an hour at home to Real before they were caught by sucker punches.

"The best teams do that to you. The level in the Champions League is ten times higher than the Premiership and you can’t slack off for a second.

"Ange will know where his team were lacking after those defeats by Real and RB Leipzig and he’ll look to sort that out.

"My gut feeling is that the manager and those players are desperate to make their mark in the competition and, with an even stronger squad next season, they should be in with a chance.

"Ange’s strike rate with his signings has been phenomenal and the arrival of the Japanese lads, with their talent and their work-rate, has been a breath of fresh air.”

"Celtic are a world-wide institution and, if they were ever invited to join the Premier League in England.

"I’ve no doubt that, after taking a couple of years to find their feet, they would be challenging for the title with the increased cash their member clubs receive."

Celtic Way:

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