Celtic defender Erik Sviatchenko believes the Scottish club belong in the Champions League.

Brendan Rodgers' Hoops were back in Europe's premier club competition after missing out in the play-off round in each of the past two seasons.

While they failed to secure a win in their six matches in Group C, Sviatchenko feels their two draws with Manchester City and improved showings against Barcelona and Borussia Mönchengladbach as there group stage progressed suggests to him that they are ready to compete in the Champions League every season.

"For some of us, it was the first time ever and I think we dealt with it really well," the Dane said.

"It was a learning period. Even though we want to achieve more, I think we showed we came a long way in a short period.

"To be unbeaten by Man City over two games, the second Barca game was really good, and the Gladbach game could have gone a bit better, and it might be a different situation. But all in all we can be satisfied with our first Champions League campaign.

"It's about taking the opportunities when they are there. We have shown we are able to be in this tournament but it's about the small margins and we didn't have them all the time.

"I think the group of players are really, really good and they have all showed they are capable of being in the Champions League. So that's the first step.

"And it's a group of players that need to develop together, and with the manager being here and working so well with us, that means that for the next season it will probably be even better. We will have been together for eight months more."