Source: Telegraph
Former Arsenal manager offers cold comfort for Scottish giants Rangers and Celtic
Neill also rubbed salt in Tony Mowbray's wounds by asserting that Aiden McGeady is the only member of his side who would have a chance of featuring in Arsenal's starting XI.
Neill led Arsenal to three FA Cup finals (winning one) and the final of the European Cup-Winners' Cup and now enjoys a roving ambassadorial role for the Gunners. In spite of a valiant attempt, he struggled to be optimistic about Celtic's prospects.
"There's no question that Arsenal's two goals on Tuesday were fortunate but, equally, there's no question that they were the better side and they deserved the win," he said.
"However, you need to look at who Celtic will be playing this weekend: St Johnstone won't prepare them for facing teams with the quality of Arsenal.
"Arsene Wenger's players are used to the pace of the Premiership, where most games are highly competitive. However, apart from Rangers, that intensity simply isn't to be experienced by Celtic on a regular basis.
"Quite frankly, I don't know how they solve that problem. There's been talk of the Old Firm joining the Premiership but that isn't going to happen.
"It's a shame because they're both big clubs and they need the stimulus they would get in England but which they're just not going to experience north of the border."
While conceding that Arsenal can only throw away qualification for the Champions League following their 2-0 victory at Parkhead, Neill insists the tie is not yet over.
"I've been in the game too long to write anyone off," he said. "It's a big mountain to climb for the Hoops and Arsenal should go through but Celtic never give up and if they can score first at The Emirates then even the best teams would consider it a psychological blow.
"At Parkhead Aiden McGeady looked like the one Celt who might just get a game for Arsenal. He has a lot of pace, an excellent first touch and good close control.
"He's still a young man at 23 and is full of potential, although I'm still not sure what his best position is."
