Hartson played a key role in Celtic's run to the 2003 Uefa Cup final

Celtic will play in the last 16 of the tournament for the first time, having won all of their home matches in qualifying Group F.

"Celtic have a formidable record at home - one of the best in the world," Hartson told BBC Scotland.

"Don't be surprised if Celtic get to the semi-finals or even further."

Celtic lost their final group game 3-1 to FC Copenhagen but had already made sure of their progress with home victories over the Danes, Benfica and Manchester United.

As a second-placed team, Celtic will face one of the winners from the other qualifying sections when the competition resumes in February.

Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Valencia, Lyon, Arsenal and AC Milan make up the daunting list of possible opponents.

"Whoever they get, it's going to be a mouth-watering clash," added Hartson, now at West Bromich Albion.

Celtic's away form has been non-existent John Hartson

"Not many teams will relish coming to Celtic Park and, with a bit of luck, who knows?"

Celtic will be at home for the first leg and the form book suggests it will be important for Gordon Strachan's side to conjure up a favourable result.

The Scottish champions have yet to win an away match in the Champions League, having now played 12 times on foreign soil. And one draw, 11 defeats is a dismal record.

"Celtic's away form has been non-existent," added Hartson.

"It would have been nice to break that duck in Copenhagen.

"But it's difficult when there's nothing to play for. When the job's done, sometimes players take their foot off the pedal."

Celtic have finished behind Bayern Munich, Lyon and AC Milan in previous group campaigns, while Valencia knocked them out of the Uefa Cup after a penalty shoot-out in 2001.

However, Celtic did get the better of Liverpool over two legs on their way to the 2003 Uefa Cup final.

Celtic have never faced Arsenal or Chelsea in a competitive match before.