Former Celtic defender Marc Rieper reckons Ange Postecoglou's Celtic can emulate Wim Jansen's class of 1997/98 by capturing the League Cup and then going on to lift the Scottish Premiership title.
The Danish defender believes that if Celtic can bag the first domestic trophy of the season against Hibs at Hampden Park on December 19 then it can be the springboard upon which to launch their assault on reclaiming the league flag.
He insists that there are striking parallels between Dutchman Jansen's team and the new look Celtic under the Aussie.
READ MORE: Marc Rieper Big Celtic Interview: Shattering the 10, the League Cup win that set it in motion and teammates sick with worry
Rieper was part of the Celtic side that defeated Dundee United to land the League Cup 24 years ago.
He believes the team spirit fostered that day was pivotal to helping Celtic shatter Rangers dreams of 10-in-a-row as Jansen's team pipped Walter Smith's Light Blues to the crown on a dramatic last day of the campaign.
Rieper said: "There are some real similarities this season with Celtic under Ange Postecoglou and the class of 1997/98.
"It was a new Celtic side that came together under Wim Jansen and they took time to gel just as Ange Postecoglou's team are doing now.
"We reached the League Cup final and so have Ange's team so there is a massive comparison right away.
"Winning that trophy helped gel our Celtic team together and the same thing could happen for Ange and his team.
"Celtic are trailing Rangers in the league just as we were under Wim but we won the League cup and it gave everybody a huge boost and that could also happen to Ange's team next month if they can see off Hibs in the final.
"That took a massive burden off our shoulders as we knew we could succeed and Ange's team will feel the same way if they can complete the job. Winning the league is always the most important thing in any season for all the players.
"The League Cup final is a great day and a wonderful occasion.
"If you win the trophy it is something that can take you forward.
"It worked a treat for us as it helped set Celtic on their way to winning the title and hopefully the same thing will happen to Ange and his side this season."
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