Football club Celtic PLC on Friday reported a jump in interim revenue and profit, mainly due to its qualification to the UEFA Champions League group stages.

The Glasgow-based club posted a pretax profit of £33.9 million in the first half that ended December 31, an increase of 23% from £27.6 million a year before.

This was on revenue growth of 45% to £76.5 million from £52.9 million.

Celtic mainly credited this improvement over the comparable period a year prior to its direct qualification to the UEFA Champions League group stages. It is an annual club football competition organised by European football governing body UEFA.

Net cash at bank at the end of the period totalled £59.2 million, more than doubled versus £25.6 million.

Looking ahead, Celtic said that it is mainly focused on securing domestic success for the 2022/23 season, with a view to progress into the Champions League group stages for a second consecutive year.

Shares in Celtic closed flat at 111.50 pence on Friday afternoon in London.

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