Daily Record

NO FEAR

McGregor tells Celts that Valencia are there for the taking

- BY MICHAEL GANNON

CALLUM McGREGOR is convinced Celtic can deliver a knockout blow to Valencia because they have no fear of the Spaniards.

The Parkhead playmaker knows his side are

in for a tough scrap against the La Liga giants as they bid to win a European tie after Christmas for the first time in 15 years.

But McGregor insists Celts are bursting with confidence ahead of Thursday’s Europa League last-32 showdown.

He said: “Spanish clubs will play football and they’ll always really test you but we’ve got to fancy our chances at Celtic Park.

“Our mindset has to be that we play without fear.

“We know it’s not going to be easy but we have to go into it in a positive frame of mind.

“Being at home first probably helps us slightly.

“There’s a feelgood factor about Celtic Park and everybody will be coming to this big European night urging us on to get a result, similar to last season against Zenit St Petersburg when we got the win.”

McGregor says Celts can take inspiratio­n from their Europa League group-stage victory against Bundesliga big guns RB Leipzig.

He said: “The night we beat RB Leipzig should have provided the blueprint for us.

“If we can turn in a similar display against Valencia we should be all right. It’s about us being upbeat and wanting to push ourselves.”

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ROCK GROUP Celtic stars are keen to turn screw on Valencia
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