Bhoys have whatittakes, insists Golac
Ivan Golac insists Celtic can make amends for their Champions League failure by going all the way to the Europa League final – if they fully believe in themselves.
Golac watched Brendan Rodgers’ side kick off their Europa League campaign with a 1-1 draw away to Red Star Belgrade in their group opener in midweek and believes they Hoops have genuine cause for optimism in their quest to mount a run in the competition.
Kelechi Iheanacho hit the opener for the Glasgow giants before Marko Arnautovic levelled soon after at the Marakana as the Hoops set out trying to kill any lingering dejection from failing to qualify for the money-spinning Champions League.
And former Partizan Belgrade and Dundee United manager Golac reckons Celtic can prove the dark horses in the Europa League.
Golac said: “I think Celtic have great potential. It was a disaster for them not to make it into the Champions League but they have to forget about that.
“I watched the game on Wednesday night. I know that Red Star Belgrade can be intimidating opponents but Celtic handled them quite well overall in front of a big crowd.
“To be honest, a club the size of celtic should be challenging to reach finals in Europe – on a regular basis.
“It’s been over 20 years since they last reached a major European final when they lost to Porto in Seville in 2003.
“That was a very long time ago. now they should be looking to advance as far as possible in this competition – and it’s definitely not impossible.
“I’m always impressed by Daizen Maeda – even though he was a bit off it the other night – and the goalscorer Iheanacho looks like a player.
“In Brendan Rodgers, they have a topclass manager. What they need to do now is believe more in their ability.
“When I took Dundee United to Hampden to face Rangers in the 1994 Scottish Cup final, nobody gave us a chance. But we triumphed against the odds and Celtic should definitely be looking to do the same thing.”
Celtic are now gearing up to face Portuguese outfit Braga on Thursday night.
And Golac knows full well the power of the Parkhead faithful to act as their extra man on such occasions.
He said: “I know Celtic Park can be a special place on European nights. I’ve been there for myself and it’s an incredible experience.
“For me, they will have to use that to their advantage and try to win all of their home games to give themselves the best chance of progressing.
“I can see them beating Braga. If they do, it can give them that spark they need to get their season going for real.
“Of course, they would rather be in the Champions League but I’m sure the Celtic supporters will still turn out in really big numbers on Thursday night.
“They want to see their team competing at the highest level. The Europa League is still a strong competition and why can’ t they make a name for themselves this season?”