Europa League: Celtic eye progress as Rangers look to build momentum

Celtic are eyeing a place in the knockout stages, while Rangers aim to extend a long winning run as the Premiership sides play their last league fixtures in the Europa League on Thursday.

Celtic v Utrecht

Celtic's hard-fought point from their trip to Bologna has kept their Europa League hopes alive. — Celtic’s hard-fought point from their trip to Bologna has kept their Europa League hopes alive. SNS Group

It’s a sign of just how crazy a season it’s been at Celtic that Martin O’Neill’s media conference on Wednesday wasn’t utterly dominated by a make-or-break European tie.

The veteran manager’s memorable first time at the club was marked by a sensational run to the UEFA Cup final as his powerful and skilful side was victorious in Battles of Britain, and saw off teams from Spain, Germany and Portugal on the way to a controversial defeat in the final.

This time around, with Utrecht the opposition in what is likely a must-win game for the Premiership champions, a big European night vies for attention alongside major matches in the most thrilling title race in years, a controversial refereeing decision, and the ongoing soap opera that surrounds the club’s attempts to bring in new players in the transfer market.

O’Neill addressed all of those subjects ahead of his first European game at Celtic Park since facing AC Milan in December 2004 but his focus is now turned to a match that holds promise for his side and could be part of what turns a turbulent season into one to remember.

Following last week’s 2-2 draw in Bologna, Celtic sit in a precarious position. Their current 24^th place in the 36-team League Phase table would see them progress to the knockout stage as it is but the final round of games gives six other sides a chance to leapfrog the Parkhead club if they slip to a home defeat.

The good news for Celtic fans is that they face a side whose fate is already assured after taking just a solitary point from seven games so far.

O’Neill warned against taking the opposition for granted, pointing out that results don’t always reflect performances.

“Despite their recent record, these boys can play,” he said. “They’re definitely a very decent side, coming here with nothing to concern themselves, just probably thinking, let’s go and enjoy it.

“And that’s a danger in itself, but they can play, you give them an opportunity, and they will cause you problems.”

Celtic go into the game as favourites but O’Neill will have decisions to make when getting his side right for the test.

Reo Hatate is suspended following his red card in Italy, while Julian Araujo and Tomas Cvancara are ineligible for this stage of the competition. Johnny Kenny remains out, while Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Jota are still on the long-term injury list.

The good news for the manager is that Kelechi Iheanacho is available again and the striker could find himself thrown in from the start.

O’Neill’s last European home game in Glasgow finished 0-0 against Milan but the same scoreline is unlikely to be enough for success on Thursday.

Celtic need goals, and the progress that would brings could be the catalyst for more memorable European nights before O’Neill closes the door on another chapter at the club this summer.

Porto v Rangers

Rangers head to Portugal as a side in winning form. SNS Group

Across the city, the door is already closed on Europa League progress for Rangers but the mood is anything but downbeat as Danny Rohl’s side travel to face Porto in their final game in the competition.

The damage to the Ibrox side’s European hopes was done early in the competition and before the German coach walked through the door. What’s happened since has fuelled belief that after Russell Martin’s time in charge, there could yet be a happy ending to the season with domestic success.

That optimism has been underpinned by a run of eight consecutive wins across all competitions, with the Premiership victories helping close the gap to Hearts.

Rohl has been keen to point out the mental benefits of putting results together, even when performances haven’t been stellar, and a side that struggled early in the season now has growing confidence. There may be no chance of progress against Porto but keeping a positive momentum will be paramount.

Victory in Europe has other benefits, even when reaching the knockouts is mathematically impossible.

Every point brings prize money but perhaps more importantly, it brings co-efficient points and Rangers know the importance of that for seeding and starting points in competitions, with every draw or win important to club and country.

Porto will present a real challenge for resurgent Rangers though. The team only sit outside the top eight on goal difference with a victory in Estadio do Dragao giving them a real chance of going straight to the last 16 and avoiding the play-off round.

Francesco Farioli’s side have only lost once in the competition so far, and have a formidable recent record themselves, winning ten of their last 11 games.

Rohl might take encouragement from the fact Thiago Silva is ineligible, with Luuk de Jong and Nehuen Perez serious injury doubts.

However, the Rangers boss has selection issues of his own to deal with. The club has been active in the transfer window to deal with gaps in the squad but Denmark winger Andreas Skov Olsen, Danish midfielder Tochi Chukwuani, and Belgian left-back Tuur Rommens aren’t eligible and remain in Glasgow.

Derek Cornelius, Dujon Sterling and John Souttar, Connor Barron and Bailey Rice remain out with injury, restricting the head coach’s options, particularly at the back.

Absence for some means opportunity for others and Rohl will want to see his team give a good account of themselves against one of the competitions bigger names.

Progress in the competition may not be on the cards but Rangers will aim to finish with a flourish.