CLUB BRUGGE almost pulled off a Champions League result for the ages.
And Celtic fans have begged Parkhead chiefs to make the Belgian side’s manager their new boss.
Club Brugge have become a force to be reckoned with on the continental stage in recent times.
Rangers found that out the hard way earlier this season when they were demolished 9-1 on aggregate in Champions League qualifying, being dumped out after a 6-0 thumping in Bruges.
And they almost pulled off a result for the ages tonight.
Brugge hosted Barcelona in Belgium and led THREE times – only to be pegged back.
A Christos Tzolis own goal made it 3-3 and the Belgian side were cruelly denied a victory at the death by VAR.
Barca keeper Wojciech Szczesny was dispossessed by Romeo Vermant who rolled the ball into the empty net in the 90th minute.
However, VAR bailed out the red-faced stopper and it was ruled a foul.
Brugge are managed by Nicky Hayen and he has plenty of admirers across Europe.
It was claimed last week that Celtic had registered a ‘concrete interest’ in the 40-year old as they seek a replacement for Brendan Rodgers.
Martin O’Neill is in interim charge of the Hoops following Rodgers’ shock resignation at the beginning of last week.
On the eve of Brugge’s clash with Barca, Hayen was quizzed on reports linking him with a move away from the club.
Amid Celtic’s reported interest, he was asked if the Barcelona game would be his LAST.
Delivering a definitive response, he said: “I haven’t thought about it for a second.
“I have someone who looks after my interests and who knows exactly when to inform me.
“That’s not on the agenda yet.”
However, having seen Brugge push Barca so close, many Celtic fans reckon their club should push the boat out to try and get him in.
One Hoops fan said: “If we get Nicky Hayen we have won the lotto!”
Another impressed Celtic supporter added: “Break the bank for Nicky Hayen, Celtic. Brugges Wow!”
While a third posted: “Nicky Hayen should be high up on our list. I can only dream.”
Read more on the Scottish Sun
SunSport revealed tonight that Celtic have whittled down their longlist of candidates to around eight contenders.
We also told you how former Hoops ace Efrain Juarez had been put forward as a dark-horse contender.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
