Why Red Star Belgrade’s main goal threat won’t play ‘huge role’ in Europa League as Celtic handed boost

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Celtic are gearing up for the opening match of their Europa League campaign.

Brendan Rodgers’ side are in Belgrade, where they will face Red Star, the reigning champions of Serbia.

It’s a challenging fixture with the Hoops against a side who have won all of their domestic matches so far this season.

Vladan Milojevic’s side went through exactly the same heartbreak that Celtic did in the Champions League qualifiers, falling to a 3-2 defeat against Cypriot side Pafos.

As such, this will be their first Europa League campaign since 2022-2023. They have been a CL side in the last two seasons, but failed to qualify for the knockout rounds on both occasions.

Ahead of tonight’s match, one Serbian football expert has provided an insight on one of their star men – and it’s good news for Celtic fans.

Good news for Celtic fans on one Red Star forward

A key contributor to their excellent domestic record is Aleksandar Katai, who has 11 goals in seven league appearances so far this season.

READ MORE: Brendan Rodgers has no qualms starting youngster vs Red Star Belgrade who has a ‘real strong mentality’

And for Serbian football expert Vladimir Novakovic, there is more than meets the eye to the 34-year-old.

Speaking to The Celtic Way, he said: “He has managed to get into all the charts of most games, most goals, and stuff like that.

“But the thing is, Katai is very old. He is in his mid-30s. His body is very old as well. So he is mainly used in the domestic league when Red Star plays different clubs.

“The biggest difference between the Serbian League and European competitions is that there is totally different intensity in the games.

“So when he plays against Serbian opposition, he rarely faces any intensity, so he can show his skills and he’s magical. But I don’t expect him to play a huge role in European games.”

Let’s hope that those comments don’t age badly…

What other Red Star Belgrade players do Celtic need to watch out for?

Katai may be their top scorer, but should Novakovic be right about the striker, there are still other Red Star players that Celtic can keep their eyes on.

Mirko Ivanic, the side’s captain, has also put up impressive numbers domestically, with five league goals in five starts.

Brazilian striker Bruno Duarte has gained pedigree throughout his career, with prolific seasons in Portugal and Saudi Arabia. He is likely to lead the line for the Serbians.

But perhaps the most recognisable name in their side is former Stoke City, Inter Milan and West Ham striker Marko Arnautovic. Aged 36, he still features for his native Austria, for whom he has 125 caps.