Charlie Nicholas claims Celtic get scared in away games

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Charlie Nicholas has explained that Celtic get scared in European away fixtures and is expecting them to have a tough game on Thursday.

Neil Lennon takes his side to France to face Rennes, who currently sit second in Ligue 1.

The Bhoys managed to book their spot in the Europa League group stages and have been handed a difficult draw to try reach the knockout rounds of the competition.

Celtic have started the new campaign strongly in domestic terms and will now be looking to carry that over to Europe.

The Scottish champions have proven in recent times they are capable of big European performances when at home at Parkhead, but in away games they have frozen at times.

Ex-Celtic forward Nicholas has predicted his former side to lose 2-1 on Thursday evening to Rennes.

“These guys can play and move, and that is what Celtic struggle against. Celtic will be good on the counter-attack, but their reputation is always the same. They get scared when they travel away from home,” Nicholas told Sky Sports.

“They don’t know where to pitch their defence and whether to play a squeezing game or not. They will have technically gifted players and pace out wide, where they will look to exploit. Celtic still have defensive injuries and will not threaten here.

TBR’s View:

Celtic will need to bring their A-game to get anything out of the away clash with Rennes and a point to start the group would be a great result.

The Bhoys know that they will have a great opportunity to qualify if they take care of business in their home games, but they can’t just fold over away and need to dig deep.

Lennon needs to set his team up defensively well and it could be backs to the wall at times.

They do though have an attacking unit more than capable of causing havoc and striker Odsonne Edouard should want to impress in his homeland.