Scotland in Europe

Three games down and Scotland’s sole representatives in the Champions League know that they can make it to the second round if they keep up the good work. There can’t have been many Celtic fans in August who reckoned they’d be both in a qualifying position and five points clear of the chasing pack at this stage. Even a Portugese pasting tonight can only take Benfica to within two points of the Hoops. Assuming Manyoo take care of FC Copenhagen, a win tonight for Celtic would ensure that they can once again meet their testimonial buddies from the south on friendly terms in three weeks. A draw would only delay the inevitable.

And you just have a feeling tonight. Lisbon - as we’ve had no shortage of reminders in the last four decades - is one of the Bhoys’ happier hunting grounds, upon which the footballing gods have smiled their pearly whites upon tonight’s visitors, particularly in those days when calling a referee a tosser was merely a job description.

Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Thomas Gravesen will watch from home but Gordon Strachan is positive and seems intent on going for it hammer and tongs.

Category: Scottish Premier League

Tags: Celtic, Champions League, Gordon Strachan, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, Scotland Premier League, Thomas Gravesen

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