Celtic are not done in Europe yet, Tomas Cvancara has insisted.

The on-loan Borussia Monchengladbach striker knows the size of the task in Stuttgart. A 4-1 defeat in the first leg has left Celtic needing a minor miracle on Thursday night.

Martin O’Neill’s side were opened up too easily at Celtic Park. Stuttgart punished them. The Hoops never really recovered.

Three goals down in a knockout tie is usually the end of it. Cvancara is not buying that. He said (TCW):

He said: “The coach already said that it’s not over, we’re still in European competition, and we have to do everything possible on the pitch to keep going.

“Of course, we know it will be a difficult game. They’ve already shown their quality in our stadium. But we are focused on this game and we have to go for it.

“We conceded some easy goals [last week]. I would say overall that there’s a lot of positivity in the team. We just have to focus on ourselves and keep going. We have to go game-by-game and try to perform as much as possible and deliver good results.

“It’s not so much a positive situation because we are three goals behind, it’s not a comfortable position, but I believe that we are capable with the team to do something with that.

“I just trust that we have good quality in the team that we can make a good performance and a good result.”

The message from inside the camp is clear. They believe. Outside it, there is understandable doubt.

There is also the small matter of Ibrox on Sunday. The title race is tight, and the defeat to Hibs at Celtic Park last weekend has only increased the pressure. Injuries in Germany would be the last thing Celtic need.

European competition may not be the priority right now, but pride still is. O’Neill cannot send a team out to manage damage. Not in this competition, not at this stage.

The support have travelled again, as they always do. Thousands in green and white in a German city, backing a side that has left itself a mountain to climb.

Celtic conceded soft goals in the first leg. That cannot happen again. If there is to be any chance, it starts with discipline and belief. Cvancara says the belief is there; now they have to show it.