CHARLIE NICHOLAS has pinpointed the four Celtic players he wants to see prove their worth in the Champions League. 

The pundit has singled out Joe Hart, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Josip Juranovic and Callum McGregor as the Hoops' standout players in the group stages so far. The former Parkhead striker insists this quartet have what it takes to play on UEFA's elite level.

However, Nicholas has raised questions over whether Jota, Kyogo Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda can do so. 

He admits all four have shown some good flashes, but he states that the jury is out on them. Nicholas wants to see more - challenging them the put on a show in their final group game of the season against Real Madrid tomorrow night.

He wrote in his weekly Daily Express column: "Jota has yet to prove he belongs at Champions League level.

"That might seem a bit harsh on the Celtic winger as he has missed the last two Group F outings with injury and we all know what a top match-winner he can be on his day, but I'd just love to see it in the Champions League.

"In my view, Ange Postecoglou only has four players who are established at this level in Europe - Joe Hart, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Josip Juranovic and Callum McGregor.

"I don't think Matt O'Riley is too far away and if he continues to progress he will hit those heights.

But as well as Jota, the jury is out on Japanese trio Kyogo Furuhashi, Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda. There is no question these guys are top players for Celtic in domestic competitions but question marks will remain until they are doing the business on a regular basis in the Champions League.

"There have been fleeting moments here in this season's games against Real Madrid, RB Leipzig and Shakhtar Donetsk but they need to bring more and truly deliver in this competition. I certainly believe they all have the ability and potential - but it is about them showing it.

"They need to use tomorrow's group curtain-closer against Real to prove to their manager that they are good enough to help Celtic take the next step in the Champions League."