Celtic star claims wounds haven't healed from Champions League exit as he explains why it's 'extra tough'

It may be 34 days since the fateful night in Austria when Celtic exited the Champions League - but Hoops midfielder Benjamin Nygren claims the wounds are still there.

As Celtic squandered a 4-0 aggregate lead against LASK Linz it meant for the second season running they have to settle for Europa League football. Nygren, 25, claims this made the 5-4 defeat on August 25 ‘extra tough’ to take, a year on from their penalty shootout disaster to Kazakhstan minnows Kairat Almaty at the same stage a year earlier.

The Swedish midfielder’s error led to the first goal which started the LASK comeback at the Raiffesen Arena. Currently on international duty, he explained to local media why the result was tough to take - and the squad is still to mentally recover.

Why was Champions League ‘extra tough’ to take for Nygren?

He said: “It's extra tough especially after we missed out on penalties last year. You have to try to move on as quickly as possible. It can't sit around for too long, but it's difficult. The fans want us to play in the biggest tournaments just like we do. Of course they'll be as disappointed as we are. But as it is, we have to try to make the best of the situation.”

The defeat in Austria was the first of four defeats Celtic have already suffered this season. Recent successive defeats against Rangers twice and Ferencvaros have added fuel to the fire in terms of supporters’ frustrations. Nygren claims the players are also hurting.

He continued: "The last week has also been tough with three straight losses, two of which were against Rangers, which was extra tough. It's been a bit up and down, but personally I've done very well in many games. I've scored a few goals and assisted."

Nygren on difficult Hoops spell

"It's very difficult to describe, but football really means everything there, which I think is very nice and something you shouldn't take for granted. I always try to give everything in every match and be a contributing factor to us winning matches. Unfortunately, you can't succeed in every single match and with a slightly heavier result it's more disappointing, as it should be in such a big club.

“Every match means a lot and you are expected to win. If you don't do it, then it's not good enough. That's how it is and that's why I also want to play in a big club. I want to win every single match and play under that pressure and that pressure. You grow a lot, both as a player and a person, which I think I have done since I got there."

(The Scottish Football Social Club is presented by BetSBK.com | 18+ | Gamble Responsibly)