Celtic tackle critical Europa challenge

Confidence, which was abundant just a few days ago, is less evident just a few hours from kick-off against Suduva.  It’s not that we are short in central defence (we are), it’s more that I’m not sure what’s going on in the dressing room right now.

There’s disappointment, which perhaps contributed to a sluggish, if straightforward, win on Saturday.  But the players, manager, you and I need to get over it and, for the players, get a result tonight.

Europa League football is critical to our season.  Financially, it is a £10m bonus, which is important but not to a fundamental extent.  In football terms, it is necessary.  We need to compete and win games in Europe.  This tournament gives us a chance to win three of four group games, and possibly progression through another couple of rounds.

The coefficient points are just as necessary.  With the great 2012-13 season now a distant coefficient memory, new landmarks are required.

Get the job done, Celtic.