After qualifying for the Champions League directly for three straight seasons as a result of winning the league, it was a familiar story this time around. The Hoops needed to get past the qualification phase. And they failed.

Celtic, then managed by Brendan Rodgers, could not get past underdogs Kairat Almaty last year.

Naturally, the club's lack of transfer business ahead of the tie was heavily criticised and rightfully so. Unfortunately, it was not the first time that had cost Celtic their place in the Champions League.

It has happened numerous times in the past when Celtic did not strengthen the squad enough for the Champions League qualifiers, perhaps hoping to secure the spot in the competition before deciding on their budget for the window. And it has resulted in them losing and failing to qualify. In fact, that happened year after year before the direct qualification allowed them to play in the competition for three straight seasons.

Celtic should be looking to put that right when they to the pitch in the Champions League qualifiers next season. And their league triumph should help in that.

Now, they have been handed another piece of good news that should help them qualify for the Champions League.

According to the Daily Record, Celtic will be seeded in the Champions League play-off round. They will face one of five unseeded opponents.

Right now, Norwegian side Viking are the only confirmed side that Celtic could face. The other unseeded and seeded spots should be determined over the coming weeks.

Of course, that seeded spot is no guarantee that Celtic will make it. But it does help their chances, that is for sure.

And if they do fail to qualify, which is very much a possibility considering their history over the past decade or so, they will still be guaranteed a spot in the Europa League.

Obviously, Celtic fans will not even want that to be a consideration in the minds of the players when they take to the pitch. Champions League qualification has to be treated like a priority over the summer.

It will also be very interesting to see who the next manager will be. Is there still a possibility that Martin O'Neill could choose to continue, having won the league? Or has he made up his mind at 74 years of age?

For now, the focus has to remain on the task at hand though, which is the Scottish Cup final against Dunfermline Athletic.

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