John Hartson impressed with Brendan Rodgers appointment at Celtic

Brendan Rodgers is "a great appointment" as new Celtic manager, according to former Hoops striker John Hartson.

The 43-year-old former Liverpool and Swansea boss was confirmed by the Ladbrokes Premiership champions as successor to Ronny Deila.

Hartson, who played for the Celtic between 2001 and 2006, told Press Association Sport: "It's a great appointment.

"Brendan is someone that's proven. He took Swansea up to the Premier League for the first time in 30 years.

"There was many a manager that tried before him.

"He finished second in the Premier League at Liverpool working with top players.

"He's got a reputation for being a great coach, bringing on young talent and Celtic have several good young players.

"I think they've got themselves a proper manager of the highest regard.

"I think he'll do very, very well there, I really do. It's a great opportunity for Brendan and I think the fans will embrace his appointment. "

With traditional rivals Rangers back in the top flight after a four-year absence, Hartson believes there will be big challenges for Rodgers at home and in trying to bring Champions League football back to Celtic Park.

He said: "Celtic are currently five-times Scottish champions, they'll be going for their sixth consecutive title.

"I think the challenge will be there, probably more of a challenge next season with Rangers back in the fold, Aberdeen, Hearts, so I think the challenge is there - but also he's got a little bit of European experience and that's where Celtic want to be back.

"They want to be back in those big European nights that I was very blessed to have played in at Celtic Park.

"They've got some Champions League qualifiers coming up at the end of July - first and foremost they have to get into the Champions League group stages and then they've got those big games at Celtic Park in front of full houses where the atmosphere is like nothing else in football."

Former Celtic boss and Anfield favourite John Barnes was also impressed, saying: "I think it is a fantastic appointment for Celtic and I think he'll do a great job.

"I was actually with Brendan over in Dubai about a month ago and he was telling me he was looking forward to getting back in.

"Celtic wasn't on the horizon at that point and he didn't mention any clubs but I could tell he was keen to get started.

"He still has the hunger and the appetite so it's great for both parties as far as I can see.

"He will not view it as a step down, despite what others will think. Celtic is a huge club. They are guaranteed European football but it will be much tougher going forward now that Rangers are back up.

"However, they are in the Champions League and I'm sure Brendan would want to pit his wits against the big sides there.

"The way he plays football, the fans can expect a very exciting brand of football. They can look forward to a great spectacle because he does like to play attacking football. In terms of playing the Celtic way, they couldn't pick a better man for the job."

And the former England winger reckons Rodgers will cope just fine on a much smaller budget than the one he received in England.

He said: "I don't think the money will be a problem because Brendan likes to play young players then mould them and inspire them to great things.

"He doesn't necessarily need superstar players. Obviously he knows that at Celtic he's not going to be able to get the likes of Luis Suarez.

"But he believes in his philosophy and in how his team will play. He organises them and implements a strategy that is worth more than any individual player.

"As long as Celtic have good players, and they still do, he will be able to put forward a style that will suit them and be attractive."

Former Celtic striker Frank McGarvey believes the appointment of Rodgers is a signal that the Parkhead club "mean business" and is looking for the new boss to refurbish the squad for the Champions League qualifiers.

McGarvey, who played for Celtic between 1980 and 1985, told Press Association Sport: "They have not gone for the cheap option, they have gone for a good manager and I am happy with the appointment.

"His first task is to get the players that are not good enough for Celtic out and bring in the players that are good enough.

"That is the most important task for any manager.

"Considering the players they have got just now struggled in the Europa League last year, it is a big ask to get them into the Champions League but he should be able to get players in.

"There is a lot of good players at Celtic, it is just getting those that are not good enough out.

"But I am glad he has got the job early, he can do something now for the Champions League. He has got a bit of time to get people in."