Celtic fans will feel their nerves jangling ever so slightly as kick-off against Slovan Bratislava approaches this evening.
The Bhoys enter the Champions League league phase refreshed after a productive summer in the transfer market, offering scope to further their involvement in Europe into the knockout playoffs.
With the draw throwing up some exciting clashes, there is cause for optimism as a Celtic supporter. Some brilliant matches are in store for the match-going support, but that comes secondary to ensuring points are on the board.
Slovan Bratislava at home is, on paper, a stereotypical ‘winnable’ tie. They have never been in the competition proper before, but that doesn’t mean Vladimir Weiss and his men should be underestimated.
Despite this, John Hartson is in a confident mood ahead of tonight’s fixture and has shared why he is optimistic about Celtic’s prospects against the Slovak champions.
John Hartson on why Celtic will be excitedly ‘licking their lips’
Speaking on the Go Radio Football Show, Hartson thinks that Celtic should feel optimistic about their chances against Slovan Bratislava with the home crowd behind them, offering Brendan Rodgers’ men an opportunity to lay a ‘marker’ down in the league phase.
Hartson stated: “Like every other Celtic fan around the world, it’s fantastic to be in the Champions League. It’s the biggest club competition in the world, you can’t get any higher.
There’s some really good games to look forward to. They start off against Slovan Bratislava; I’m not being disrespectful or talking them down at all; it’ll be a tough game, but you know what?
Out of all the games, I would imagine Celtic will be licking their lips in terms of a full house at Celtic Park, that Champions League anthem which puts hairs on the back of your neck.
“Celtic, I would imagine, if they could’ve picked a game to start off with three points and play really well and put a marker down, it’d be Bratislava tomorrow night; it’s a great fixture for them.”
Celtic need to rise to Champions League challenge
Taking the emotion out of the situation, Celtic have a game of football to win tonight that could give them a leg-up in the new-look league phase table.
Yes, there will be a brilliant atmosphere on show in Glasgow’s east end, but that means nothing if there isn’t a performance to match the energy in the stands tonight.
Optimism is a powerful tool in football, and so is confidence. However, the greatest quality to possess is getting over the line when pressure is on.
Celtic usually thrive under those circumstances domestically, so it will be intriguing to see if they can follow suit on the European stage.
