Celtic have been handed a Champions League qualifying boost, as reported by The Scottish Sun.

The Lowdown: Celtic’s CL woes

The Hoops have struggled in Europe’s elite club competition in recent years.

They have failed to reach the group stages in the past three seasons, losing to AEK Athens, CFR Cluj and Ferencvaros at the qualifying stages.

Celtic’s loss to Ferencvaros last year was their earliest Champions League exit in 15 years, but despite finishing second in the Scottish Premiership this season, it seems as if they’ve been handed a boost in regards to qualifying this time around.

The Latest: Who Celtic could face?

Celtic will be seeded in the second and third qualifying rounds, with The Scottish Sun describing it as a massive boost.

Should they progress, the Hoops will dodge Shakhtar Donetsk, the third-placed French side – either Monaco or Lyon, and Portuguese giants Benfica.

They could still be paired with the likes of Genk, PSV Eindhoven or Spartak Moscow, but on paper, it seems an easier draw.

The Verdict: Good news for McKay and Howe?

You could argue that the likes of Genk, PSV Eindhoven and Spartak Moscow are much better sides than AEK Athens, CFR Cluj and Ferencvaros, who Celtic have failed to beat in previous years, but to us, this update should be good news for CEO Dominic McKay and possible new manager, Eddie Howe.

Howe has reportedly (talkSPORT) agreed to take over at Parkhead for the 2021/22 season and could well get his first taste of European action, should Celtic progress under his guidance.

If Celtic advance to the group stages, it would be worth around £14m, and each win in the group stage would also see them pocket £2.4m.

That could come in extremely handy when it comes to a Parkhead rebuild, and it seems as if the Hoops now have an easier route of qualifying over the coming months.

In other news: Celtic set for battle to keep 'incredible' ace as PL side plot bid over 4 times his market value, find out more here.