Visitors fancy their chances in Glasgow

Tokmac Nguen

Ferencvaros’ sporting director, Tama Hajnal, reckons the lack of Celtic’s “terrifying atmosphere” at Parkhead could help the Hungarians deliver a stunning Champions League shock this week. The Hoops face the Budapest side in the one-legged, second qualifying round tie in Glasgow after Neil Lennon’s side easily brushed aside KR Reykjavik 6-0. Ferencvaros impressed as they defeated Swedish champions, Djurgardens, 2-0 in their first-round tie with both goals from Tokmac Nguen, and Hajnal is convinced they can spring a surprise in Scotland.

He said: “The favourites are clearly Celtic.

“But our recent record in European competition has shown we have nothing to be afraid of, and that we believe in ourselves. “We are confident we can surprise Celtic in Glasgow. “They are a side who have a long history in the Champions League.

“But they said that last year about Dinamo Zagreb, and we managed to get a 1-1 draw in Croatia.

“While we regret there won’t be the usual 60,000 passionate fans inside Celtic’s stadium, it could be good for us.

“Usually, there would be a terrifying atmosphere awaiting us, but not now.

“I believe that could work to our slight advantage.

“Personally, I find having no fans in stadiums utterly depressing, and we hope the health situation clears soon and we are able to allow fans back into grounds.

“But this is our opportunity to prove that Hungarian football is back at the top in Europe again, and we will give everything to win this match.”