STEFAN JOHANSEN has urged his Celtic team-mates to overcome the fear factor in Europe.
A miserable Europa League campaign ended with a 1-1 draw with Fenerbahce to leave the Hoops without a solitary win in Group A and rock-bottom on three points.
The 24-year-old Norwegian midfielder believes the lack of experience in the squad as one of the reasons why they failed in the European arena.Johansen, who struggled in Istanbul before being substituted by Tom Rogic, admitted: “Obviously, we need to try more – we look a bit afraid when it comes to the pressure.
“Hopefully, we can get that off our shoulders and play better next year.
“It’s a mix of young players, a lot of the players in the group don’t have that experience. The pressure is there.
“But in a club like Celtic, that’s what they need to learn when they come in.
“It’s not an excuse, we just need to learn from it and do it better next time.”
Meanwhile veteran frontman Carlton Cole, who made his Celtic debut as a substitute in the 3-1 win over Inverness Caley Thistle, is likely to return to the squad for tomorrow’s game against St.Johnstone in Perth.
The former England international was ineligible for the 1-1 Europa League draw against Fenerbahce in Istanbul.
There’s still a slight doubt over top scorer Leigh Griffiths who sat out Thursday’s Euro tie, but Ronny Deila will give him every chance to recover from his calf strain.
The Hoops boss will also assess midfielder Stefan Johansen who sustained a knee injury against the Turks. Tony Stokes is currently serving a two week suspension so will not feature.
Eighteen-year-old Kieran Tierney is expected to continue at left-back against Tommy Wright’s team.
The Saints will be unable to call on Darnell Fisher who is not permitted to face his parent club during his season-long loan period at McDiarmid Park.
Full-back Fisher will be absent alongside Graham Cummins and Simon Lappin, but Steven Anderson is ready to return to central defence following an ankle problem.
