Scotland must look abroad if the nation is to improve its footballing fortunes on the international stage, says former under 21s boss Rainer Bonhof.

The 64-year-old joined the Scotland set up in 2002, months after countryman Berti Vogts was appointed as manager, helping to develop players such as Darren Fletcher and James McFadden.

Now vice-president of Celtic's Champions League opponents Borussia Moenchengladbach, Bonhof believes the key to progress lies in learning from successful nations abroad.

Touching down in Glasgow with the Borussia squad, Bonhof said: "I'm expecting a very warm welcome. To be back in Glasgow is always nice.

"For the match I would say we will be prepared for a tough match because Celtic versus Man City was really good and they made a really good action on the field.

"So we understand what we have to fight for to have the same spirit in the team to pick up the fighting spirit of Celtic."

The former defensive midfielder also shared some reflections on the man hoping to lead Celtic to more success in Group C.

Asked for his thoughts on Brendan Rodgers Bonhof responded: "I have known him a couple of years. We worked together for Chelsea. He was second manager in Chelsea with Mourinho and I was a scout for Chelsea. He's doing a good job."

Having experienced the Scotland project first-hand, Bonhof was well placed to reflect on the stumbling struggles of Gordon Strachan's side.

Asked what Scottish football could learn from the German game, Bonhof said: "The key is always by going abroad, learning a little bit and bringing some new ideas back and trying to [instill] these ideas in Scottish football.

"But that needs help from everybody, from club level, from the SFA, from the government, from everybody."