Hoops can down Euro foes but fans will pay for a party
Frazer Wright toasted a shock European triumph over Rosenborg four years ago with St Johnstone.
But the former McDiarmid Park favourite reckons the only surprise in store for Celtic fans off to Norway will be the £7 price of a pint.
The defender slotted home in the Lerkendal Stadium to give Saints a 1- 0 first-leg win in their Europa League second qualifying round tie in 2013.
Brendan Rodgers’ Hoops will walk out at the same ground in 10 days’ time looking to move one step from the Champions League groups.
And Wright, now assistant to former Saints team-mate Dave Mackay at Stirling Albion, said: “I’m sure Celtic fans will travel in numbers, especially after all the problems making the game with Linfield in Belfast.
“Our fans certainly enjoyed their visit to Trondheim – and so did the local bar owners. As for shocks, they’ll find it hard on their wallets.
“But Celtic should be celebrating going through and getting closer to the group stage.”
Stevie May cancelled out Alexander Soderlund’s goal in Perth to see off Rosenborg, although Saints’ adventure ended on penalties against Minsk in the next round.
Wright added: “It was a real surprise when we put Rosenborg out given their track record in Europe.
“It was probably even a surprise to us because they had beaten Celtic a few years earlier.
“The draw has brought back fo n d memories because that was one of the best nights of my career.
“It was the start of a season when we won the Scottish Cup and it was definitely the most important goal I ever scored. Unlike us, Celtic will be favourites.
“But Brendan has put together a squad that can handle that tag and I fully expect them to progress. The Rosenborg team might have changed but the stadium will be much the same.
“When we were there the playing surface was fabulous. Our assistant Callum Davidson had to drag us off it the night before the match. It was one of the best I have played on.
“That will suit Celtic down to the ground, given their passing game.”
Our fans enjoyed visit – so did the local bars. They’ll find it hard on their wallets