Kenny Dalglish thinks the evidence this season shows Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic can come from behind and progress up against Bodo/Glimt this Thursday night.
The Bhoys find themselves 3-1 behind in the tie after the first leg, when a Daizen Maeda headed goal wasn’t enough to stop the Norwegian champions win comfortably.
However, the Japanese forward’s contribution could end up being vital, with the scrapping of the away goals rule keeping Celtic’s hopes alive.
Dalglish thinks it could happen, telling The Sunday Post: “It was a surprise to see Ange Postecoglou’s men lose by such a margin at home. Bodo defeated Roma 6-1 earlier in the season so we were all aware of what they were capable of doing.
“Ange and his players now need to regroup and find a way of scoring over there. It’s still very much game-on and if they can score first then all the better. Ange will want to progress in this tournament and he will not be feeling that this game is beyond them.
“Callum McGregor and the players will be ready to go to Norway and turn things around. But they know they will need to defend better and also be more clinical.
“The evidence from this season is that Celtic can win this tie but it’s going to take a monumental display.”
Dalglish is right, of course. Celtic have proven in Europe already this season we can travel away from home and score a few goals. It’s keeping them out that’s been the hard part.
Celtic will need a complete performance from back to front to get the job done in the Arctic circle. But you do get the sense it’s not impossible.
Bodo/Glimt are now, undoubtedly, hot favourites to go through to the last 16 but write this Postecoglou side off at your peril. They haven’t let us down on many occasions this season and travel full of intent this week.
In other news, “I didn’t expect that”; Defender blown away by Celtic Park crowd moment he will never forget.
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