Celtic have been tipped to progress in the Europa League by an unlikely source – former Rangers striker and Sky Sports pundit Kris Boyd, writing in his column in the Scottish Sun.
Boyd especially thinks that Celtic should not be concerned about playing Italian giants AC Milan in the group stages.
“Deep into the competition”
“There is no real reason why Rangers and Celtic cannot both go deep into the competition again. Celtic’s section looks tougher on paper, with Sparta Prague and AC Milan both seasoned European campaigners – and Lille a top side, too. But Milan are a pale shadow of their former selves and Neil Lennon’s men have nothing to fear” Boyd said, as quoted by the Scottish Sun.
Celtic fans might agree with Kris Boyd for once…well, probably not. Especially when it comes to the part about Rangers doing well in the Europa League.
However, Boyd is correct that Celtic should be looking to at least match the achievements of last season in the competition. The Hoops memorably topped their group, defeating Lazio twice and Rennes once on the way.
Parallels can be found between group this year and last year
Interestingly, there are parallels that can be drawn between the group this season and the one Celtic topped this season. A French team – Lille, an Italian team – Milan – and a wild card team – Sparta Prague. It looks similar on paper to Rennes, Lazio and Cluj.
Hopefully the parallels continue and the Hoops win the group and reach the last 32 once more. Milan will probably be a much tougher game than Boyd expects it to be. However, there will be real disappointment amongst Celtic fans if we don’t get out of the group stages.
It will be seen as a bit of a step back, especially after the highs of last season’s group stages. It is just a shame that thousands of Celtic fans will not be able to back the team in France and Italy, like they did in such numbers last season.
Still, for once we hope Kris Boyd is correct, and Celtic do indeed go far in the Europa League. Hopefully last season’s last 32 defeat is improved on though. That is a goal for the Hoops to focus on.
In other news, Neil Lennon can’t wait for Celtic’s busy schedule in the weeks to come.
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