As Celtic Park braces itself for an electrifying Champions League night, former Scotland midfielder James McFadden has said that Reo Hatate, Callum McGregor, and Matt O’Riley could prove to be big players in the match.
In what is considered Celtic and Brendan Rodgers’ most pivotal match of the season, McFadden underscores the importance of this tie, stating the blunt reality: Celtic sits at the bottom of the group, pointless and in desperate need of a win to keep their European dreams alive. The manager himself has admitted he’ll need to pick up points on Wednesday night if Celtic are to play European football after Christmas.
A loss against the Spanish giants could spell the end of Celtic’s European campaign post-Christmas. However, McFadden, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live Sport, believes that Hatate, McGregor, and O’Riley have the potential to change the course of the game and infuse belief back into the team.
“It’s something that has been a disappointment for Celtic over the years, the European form.
“It’s a game they have to win if they want to keep their hopes alive. The only tougher test would be away to Atletico Madrid, at least it’s at home.
“But they are in a good place, at the minute, Celtic. They are playing good football. They were unlucky against Lazio. It’s something they will be looking forward to.
“But the form of Hatate, McGregor and O’Riley would give them great confidence going into the game that they can create opportunities against Atletico Madrid.”
O’Riley’s recent form has been nothing short of spectacular, with the midfielder netting his sixth goal of the season in Sunday’s game against Hearts. Hatate has shown the quality that he can produce in recent weeks, he needs to reach these levels consistently and on the big stage. With the support of Captain McGregor, Celtic could have a chance of picking up some points. Let’s hope so, anyway!
