Alistair Johnston declares Young Boys as Celtic's Champions League Final as he labels clash 'massive'

Alistair Johnston says Celtic’s clash with Young Boys will be like their Champions League Final – as they attempt to reach the knockout phase.

The Hoops full-back is gearing up for one of the club’s biggest European games when the Swiss arrive in Glasgow on Wednesday night. A victory for Brendan Rodgers’ side will all but secure their place in the play-offs – and keep up their hopes of finishing in the top eight. With Aston Villa away in their final group game, Johnston wants a victory over Young Boys in midweek.

The Canadian is aware of how important qualification could be for Rodgers’ men. And he’s convinced they can get the job done with the backing of Celtic’s fanatical home support. After the 2-1 Scottish Cup fourth-round win over Kilmarnock, Johnston said: “It’s massive. We know where we are in the table and how important the points could be. At the end of the day, this is the one you look at.

“It could be like a cup final for us if you get the points you need because you will probably secure a knockout round place. And you don’t really want to be going to Villa away needing something.

“Villa are comfortable but they’ll still want as many points as possible to be high up the table. We know Villa won’t be easy at all so it’s important that we make it count on Wednesday.

“It’s a massive chance and I’m looking forward to it. The atmosphere is going to be unbelievable – Celtic Park under the lights and with a lot on the line.”

Celtic eventually saw off Killie in the Cup thanks to goals from Callum McGregor and Daizen Maeda after Bobby Wales had levelled for the visitors. But it was German winger Nicolas Kuhn who lit up Parkhead near the end with a fantastic assist for the Japanese winger to bag the winner.

John