Robson enjoyed a good first half season with Celtic

Celtic midfielder Barry Robson has targeted a last-eight place in the Champions League next season.

The former Dundee United player reported back for pre-season training a week ago with Gordon Strachan's side.

"Last eight is realistic, definitely. We have the personnel here to do it," said Robson.

"The manager here wants us to be the fittest side in Scotland and that's what we are trying to achieve at the moment. We're working extremely hard."

Celtic have reached the last 16 in Europe in each of the past two seasons but failed against the might of AC Milan and Barcelona.

Obviously it helps that we are straight into the group stages Celtic midfielder Barry Robson

"We all know how hard it is in Europe," said 29-year-old Robson.

"When you see these massive clubs are spending, it's quite hard to stay with that.

"It's amazing how well we've done so far, but I think we can progress a wee bit more.

"Obviously it helps that we are straight into the group stages.

"That's what you want to do because there are no easy games in the qualifiers as you saw last year.

"It will be hard for Rangers as well in the qualifier, so it gives us a wee bit more time to prepare for the start of the league campaign which is really important as well."

MY SPORT: DEBATE Give your reaction to Barry Robson's high hopes

Only Irish winger Pat McCourt, who arrived from Derry City, has been added to the Celtic pool during the summer.

Strachan appears hopeful of securing the services of Manchester City striker Georgios Samaras after his loan spell in Glasgow last season.

They could be priced out of a move for Auxerre and Romania defender Gabriel Tamas, with the French club looking for up to �5m.

However, Robson added: "The squad is extremely strong at the moment. There is a lot of competition for places."