"Blessing in disguise" - Journalist drops big Celtic claim hours before Bodo/Glimt kick-off

Journalist Pete O’Rourke reckons that going out of Europe could be a blessing in disguise for Celtic in their pursuit of the Scottish Premiership title.

Ange Postecoglou’s side are in European action this evening when they travel to Norway to face Bodo/Glimt in the second leg of their Conference League play-off.

And the Glasgow giants are facing an uphill task following their 3-1 defeat at Celtic Park in the first leg last Thursday.

Celtic went into the game as overriding favourites to not only win on the night, but to progress to the last 16 of the competition.

They were on a nine-game winning run in all competitions and hadn’t tasted defeat since losing to Bayern Leverkusen in the group stages of the Europa League back in November.

But Celtic were left stunned by the Norweigan champions, who claimed a shock win despite Daizen Maeda’s third goal for the club 11 minutes from time briefly getting them back in the tie.

With the away goal rule scrapped in European competitions this season, Celtic know that a two-goal victory could be enough to send them through, although they’re most likely going to need to score three times to avoid exiting from the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League in the same season.

However, O’Rourke reckons that crashing out could end up being a good thing for the Premiership leaders.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “You never really want to go out of Europe so early on and it’s been a disappointing European season for Celtic, but it could be a blessing in disguise if they do go out tonight.

“It would allow them to focus on the title and the Scottish Cup as well.”

Elanga SAVES Man United! Full reaction on The Football Terrace…

Celtic failing to overturn Bodo/Glimt’s two-goal lead would round