Celtic could really do with a clean sheet against Nomme Kalju

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The Celtic defence could really do with a clean sheet when Nomme Kalju come calling to Glasgow on Wednesday night.

Scott Bain has failed to keep the opposition out in each of his last five competitive games for the club. The most worrying aspect of that stat is that the majority of those conceded have been avoidable from a defensive point of view.

The makeshift Hoops defence switched off on two occasions during the Sarajevo tie – gifting the Bosnians a goal in each leg.

While Celtic were strong enough to see off Husref Musemic’s side over the 180 minutes, the same may not be said of the upcoming tie against Kalju.

Celtic need a clean sheet against Kalju

Celtic are, of course, huge favourites for the tie but the fact that the second leg is on the road means that there’s not a great deal of margin on Wednesday. The Estonians will be craving an away goal. Something which would give them real belief ahead of the home tie.

If we can keep them out in Glasgow and net a few of our own then that should put us in a healthy position to progress. You’d back Neil Lennon’s side to net in Tallinn and that effect will only be fully maximised if we keep them out at Celtic Park.

The defence could also do with the confidence boost of a clean sheet. It must feel like an age for Bain since the 3-0 win over Aberdeen in May – the last time he stopped the opposition from scoring.

He and his new-look defence could go from strength to strength once they get one under their belt.