Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton believes that the Hoops have been handed a ‘tricky’ tie for the next stage of the UEFA Conference League, as they were drawn to face Norweigan champions Bodo/Glimt this afternoon.
However, the BT Sport pundit also insisted that Ange Postecoglou’s side will still fancy their chances to reach the last 16 of the competition, despite coming up against a strong side.
“I think it’s a tricky draw for Celtic,” he told Bt Sport, as quoted by Football Scotland.
“Bodo/Glimt have been the dominant team in Norway for the last couple of seasons; they were the team who smashed Joe Mourinho’s Roma 6-1.
“So it’s a tough tie, but I think it’s one that Celtic will fancy.
“I know that Roma weren’t at their strongest that evening, but that was some statement. The manager, Knutsen, has done an amazing job.
“He’s not a young manager, I think he’s over 50 now, but he’s done a pretty good job. He’s not a household name; I think he was linked with the Norwich City vacancy earlier this season.
“But they’re going great guns in Norway, and it’ll be a tough test for Celtic, no doubt about that.
“Celtic are improving this season under Ange Postecoglou, and with a few signings in January, I think Celtic will be in a pretty good place.
“Bodo/Glimt are a front-foot team, and Ange Postecoglou only knows one way to play. He’s more worried about how his team can impose themselves on the opposition. Celtic have had issues defensively in Europe, so there will be plenty of goals in this tie.”
I think Sutton sums up the feeling of the majority of the Celtic support with his comments this afternoon.
There is no doubting that Bod/Glimt have been a fresh, up-and-coming side for the last few years and will provide Postecoglou and his squad with a tricky test.
However, with the player’s performances in the group stages, they have more than shown they can compete and will be looking to make a dent in this competition in its first-ever year of being played.
There is a long way to go between now and that fixture. But, it is something for the group of players and the supporters to look forward to in the coming months.