It’s back to European action as Celtic look to keep their Europa League campaign alive with a win at Feyenoord.
The last time the two teams came up against each other in Rotterdam, Celtic lost to Feyenoord in a disastrous night that saw Odin Thiago Holm and Gustaf Lagerbielke see red.
However, there are plenty of things going in Celtic’s favour ahead of the Europa League clash at De Kuip.
Feyenoord’s heavy defeat at the weekend will deflate Robin van Persie’s side as they have now lost four out of their last five matches.
UEFA have shut down one of the De Kuip stands after Feyenoord were punished for lighting pyro at their last Europa League game.
However, despite all that, Celtic can still qualify so it’s little wonder Simon Donnelly shot down Hugh Keevins’ comments about the Parkhead club
- READ MORE: Feyenoord boss Robin van Persie sends Celtic fans flowers over their problems with the board
Hugh Keevins tells Celtic to ‘just forget’ Europe
Europe is where Celtic strive to be better and that has been made crystal clear by the Hoops support for the last few months.
So why the radio pundit is telling the Parkhead club just to forfeit the Europa League is very strange.
Keevins said on Superscoreboard, “I honestly believe that Europe is a waste of time for Celtic and Rangers. Rangers haven’t won a game, haven’t won a point.
“Just forget it. They’ve got more important things to deal with at home. And for Celtic, no, they’ll have a long night in Rotterdam, even though Feyenoord are not exactly…”
How many players can you name who have played for Celtic and Feyenoord?
Donnelly simply wasn’t having that and replied, “I don’t think you can give up. I take Hugh’s point on board that it’s not looking good for either of them. Celtic have got four points.
“A win tomorrow, could change things, but listen, Celtic will never give up. The fans won’t allow that.”
Donnelly not having Celtic ‘out of their depth’ Keevins retort
Admittedly, Celtic haven’t shown anywhere near what they are capable of this season compared to how they fared in the Champions League last year.
Poor recruitment and managerial uncertainty certainly haven’t helped. However, Keevins still believes that the Bhoys should just focus on their domestic game for now.
Keevins: “But they’re both out of their depth. Celtic and Rangers are out of their depth.”
Donnelly: “They’ve struggled. They have struggled.”
Keevins: “They have more important things to deal with. Celtic have a cup final against St Mirren and their league title is in jeopardy.
“Rangers are now four games in a row, winners under Danny Rohl. And that is more important to the Rangers fans. The Rangers fans have written off Europe.”
Donnelly: “It is, but see in football sometimes Hugh, it’s the knock-on effect as well. You know, if they’re to go tomorrow with that attitude and two heavy defeats, it doesn’t augur well going into the weekend.”
“You know, they want to try and get something positive.”
You can watch Donnelly hand Keevins his backside below:
The league title, although there is a battle on, is hardly in ‘jeopardy’ as Keevins calls it. Celtic are four points behind with a game in hand and just under three quarters of the season to go.
The cup final, as most finals do, will take care of itself. Celtic still have a lot to play for, including Europa League qualification.
This campaign is far from over and Donnelly is correct, Celtic fans will not accept the club giving up by any stretch of the imagination.
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