FORMER Celtic goal hero Chris Sutton insists Brendan Rodgers must beware “a slap in the face” to one of his players as the manager prepares for Tuesday’s Champions League encounter against Bayern Munich in Bavaria.
The Hoops boss will take his side to the Allianz Arena trailing 2-1 from the midweek first leg play-off loss at a rocking Parkhead.
Rodgers realises he has no option but to set up his team to score at least one goal against the Bundesliga giants – or the European dream will be left among the rubble for another campaign.
With the hosts already 2-0 adrift, it took Celtic until the 79th minute to get their first effort on target and that was when Daizen Maeda nodded past Manuel Neuer for the strike that offers the side a lifeline next week.
PICK IT OUT…Daizen Maeda heads in Celtic’s goal in the 2-1 loss against Bayern Munich to give the Hoops some hope in the Allianz Arena.
The Japanese speedster had taken over from Adam Idah in the middle of the frontline in the 65th minute with Filipe Jota being introduced to the wide left slot.
Maeda came close to an instant impact when he raced through to latch onto a slack pass, dodge past the outrushing Neuer, but, unfortunately, his angled drive was wide.
He had better luck with his near-post finish to emphasise his killer instinct with his 22nd goal of a prolific crusade.
There may now be an urge for Rodgers to kick off in Germany with the jet-heeled Maeda spearheading the attack and Nicolas Kuhn and Jota on the flanks.
Sutton, though, reckons caution must be the watchword for the Hoops gaffer.
The one-time England international forward said: “Daizen Maeda’s switch through the middle from wide after Adam Idah went off helped on Tuesday and there has to be a temptation to play him there from the start in Munich.
“However, I’m not sure. And, in any case, that’d be some slap in the face to Idah after his two goals away to Aston Villa. Kyogo was sold and the chance was there for the Irishman.
“He’s taken it more or less since this point and it’d be harsh to drop him.
AT THE DOUBLE…striker Adam Idah celebrates his second goal to make it 2-2 against Aston Villa in the Midlands.
“We might get some clues from Rodgers’ team selection against Dundee United today, a game where roles are reversed for the hosts and it’s Jim Goodwin’s team that will have to show the courage against superior hosts.
“But these are calls Rodgers has to make and, whoever gets the nod from the start, they have to stand tall and show they don’t fear the mammoth task which awaits them.
“Celtic can’t be fearful. Respectful, yes. But not fearful.”
Sutton has first-hand experience of winning in Munich in a European tie after guiding Norwich City to a 2-1 triumph back in October 1993. The East Anglian team drew 1-1 at Carrow Road in the return to dismiss their mighty opponents.
The media pundit, speaking to the Daily Record, continued: “Nobody expected our Norwich side to beat Bayern in Munich, but we were fearless.
“There was very little expectation on us, like this Celtic team. But we knew we were capable of beating anyone on our day.”
Sutton implores the Hoops to display the same attitude in Bavaria and added: “Celtic have gained so much in the Champions League this season.
“Now it’s about losing the fear and making the next step of believing they belong against the very best.”
*DON’T miss the unbeatable match report from Celtic v Dundee United this afternoon – only in your champion CQN.
