Maybe just a single moment of genius from Celtic in Paris awaits us all
SAYS JAMES McFADDEN
Nobody is better placed than James McFadden to speak about defying the odds in Paris.
On Wednesday evening, Celtic travel to the French capital for their Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain.
Having lost 5- 0 in Glasgow in September, on the opening night of this season’s campaign, few give Brendan Rodgers one iota of hope.
But the scenario was similar a decade ago, and Faddy caused a worldwide sensation with a 35- yard strike that gave Scotland victory over France in a Euro 2008 qualifier at the Parc des Princes.
Alex McLeish’s players defended superbly well against Thierry Henry and Co that night.
One would imagine it will require even greater heroics from Kieran Tierney, Craig Gordon, Mikael Lustig and the rest to keep a clean sheet against Neymar and the other PSG superstars at the same venue.
However, McFadden isn’t one for writing the Hoops off completely. As a striker himself, he is an admirer of the ability the likes of Moussa Dembele, Scott Sinclair and Leigh Griffiths possess.
Sure, he totally understands why Unai Emery’s side are overwhelming favourites, but he isn’t quite for saying the outcome is a foregone conclusion.
McFadden told The Sunday Post: “What a game for Celtic to be going to participate in, isn’t it?
“Some may feel they’d rather avoid it, and accept a two or three- nil defeat right now. But I wouldn’t go along with that.
“Upsets do happen. Sometimes the experts get it wrong.
“Of course, you look at the PSG line-up, and then you even glance at their bench.
“All you see are world- class players. I’m talking proper class, able to hold their own in any company.
“Yo u then throw their per for mance in Glasgow, two months ago, into the equation and it’s quite breathtaking.
“They looked as though they were on another planet that night, and they just didn’t allow Celtic to settle or get any sort of momentum going.
“But, perhaps because the group has almost settled into its final positions, Celtic may well feel the benefit of a lot of pressure being off them in this game.
“Yes, again, that may be fanciful thinking – but you just never know.
“I remember nobody gave Scotland a chance a decade ago and we all know what happened.
“I popped up with a goal and I’ve never been allowed to forget it.
“The interest surrounding it back then was unbelievable, and it all came to the fore again a couple of months ago for the 10th anniversary.
“It’s one of the most- cherished moments of my life and I don’t ever want to forget it.
“Now, for this game, maybe a new hero can emerge for Celtic. Maybe a single moment of genius awaits us all.
“With the ability some of the Celtic players possess, I’m not going to say they can’t pull it off.
“Just think back to five months ago, when Leigh Griffiths scored two wonder goals against England for Scotland at Hampden Park.
“Does he have that in his locker to do it in Paris in midweek? “Absolutely, he does. “Would Moussa Dembele love to score the winning goal in Paris in his home country?
“Nothing would give him greater pleasure, I’m sure.
“We all know what he is capable of, but doing something out of the top drawer on Wednesday night would take him – and his market value – to a different level. “Then you have Scott Sinclair. “He is a special player and he has it all to go and be a hero in this game.
“I hope Celtic win the game. I really do.”
The Hoops produced one of the shock results of modern times when they defeated Barcelona 2- 1 at Parkhead five years ago when Tony Watt scored the winner in the Champions League clash.
It reduced Rod Stewart to tears, and gave then-boss Neil Lennon one of the most memorable nights of his life.
McFadden reckons anything for Celtic this midweek will be as good as it gets.
He said: “Look, I’m not getting carried away and I’m not making wild predictions. But they might just do something sensational.
“Celtic have a rich European history, although I accept their form away from home for several years hasn’t been anywhere near good enough.
“But think back to Tony Watt’s goal five years ago. It was stunning.
“It made headlines around the world, I think.
“I’m sure Tony would like to see his former club do something out of the ordinary in this game and for a new superstar to emerge.
“However, the important thing for Celtic is that they are still in with a chance of staying in Europe beyond Christmas.
“That was their goal at the start of this campaign.
“They have banked tens of millions of pounds, and their players will be the better and wiser for the experience of this campaign.
“So they just need to get a good result in their final game, at home to Anderlecht next month, for it to have been a very successful time.”
McFadden will watch the Celtic game on the television. At 34, he is still playing – for Queen of the South
I remember nobody gave Scotland a chance a decade ago and we all know what happened
in the Scottish Championship – and enjoying the challenge of life at that level.
He said: “We are going along nicely and we’ll see what we can achieve. We have some really good players and, in Gary Naysmith, we have a fine young manager.
“He is very good with the players and tactically aware. He is also very good at man-management, which is vital.
“I’m just delighted at being able to still pull my boots on and make a contribution.
“I love my football and I’m not ready walk away and give up.
“Yes, the recovery time takes longer these days, and the legs are tired and tight. But football still gives me so much enjoyment.
“People tell me not to give up because nothing can replace it. I agree with them. I want to carry on for as long as possible.
“But I’m a realist, and I’ll know when it’s time to hang up my boots.”
Faddy will also look on with interest to see who the new Scotland manager is going to be as he is desperate for the nation to get back to major tournaments.
He said: “I was fortunate enough to represent my country 48 times, and that is so special to me.
“I was ever so proud every time I pulled on the Scotland jersey.
“I just wasn’t lucky enough to have helped the country reach a major tournament and that will always be a regret. But we did all try our very best.
“It’s time for a new manager to come in and try to do it.
“It’s all about getting to Euro 2020 and everyone needs to get behind the players.
“We have some really good players and I feel we can do it over the next two or three years.
“I know we have been saying this for two decades, but I have a feeling we’re on the verge of something.
“Fingers crossed.”