Celtic's Europa League opponents take tactical notes from Old Firm as players warned of Parkhead atmosphere

Celtic’s Europa League opponents Ferencvaros were keenly watching their match against Rangers at the weekend to help them establish plans tactically for their midweek clash.

The Hungarian side travel to Parkhead on Thursday night for both side’s Europa League opener. Celtic will go into the match with a point to prove after their 3-0 humiliation at Ibrox on Sunday in the Premier Sports Cup. After that, the Hoops will face Rangers again, this time at home in the Premiership as they’ll look to take advantage of an instant redemption opportunity.

Ferencvaros will head to Glasgow with momentum on their side, having hammered third tier Hungarian side Debreceni EAC 7-0 in their domestic cup. Attacker Marius Corbu is hoping they can exploit Celtic’s weaknesses the same way Rangers did at the weekend - but knows how difficult the task ahead is in front of 60,000 Hoops supporters.

Ferencvaros watch Old Firm to prepare for Celtic clash

Corbu said: "We analysed in detail how Celtic build their attacks and when their full backs come forward and when there may be free space behind them. When we win the ball, we have to play forward quickly and accurately, because against such an opponent there are not many opportunities. At the same time, we cannot build the whole match solely on wanting to counter-attack. We also have our own game and we want to show it.

"I am sure Celtic will be driven by a desire to prove themselves, because given their history, this match has become particularly important for them. They obviously want to show what they are really capable of in their own stadium. I expect them to start extremely motivated and be dynamic.”

The Celtic lineup itself will be intriguing against the Budapest side. Manager Martin O’Neill has come under criticism for not starting star striker Camilo Duran through the middle and instead playing the out of form Kasper Hogh. With the Colombian instead deployed on the right hand side, there was no room for in form winger Haissem Hassan - who O’Neill claims had ‘sleeping problems’ the night before the match.

What did Corbu say about the Celtic Park atmosphere?

While Corbu insisted that his side are going to Parkhead to win, he was also under no illusion that it will be an easy task on a European night in the East End of Glasgow. He went onto claim that some of his teammates have experienced Celtic Park first hand. He continued: “We can't afford to worry about what happened to them in the previous matches. Celtic are a strong team and their fans will drive them forward.

“We have players who played there - Denes Dibusz and Kristoffer Zachariassen have told us about the atmosphere and I have also looked at some recordings myself. We know what Celtic stands for and we know how passionate their fans are. The Scots are inherently characterised by an aggressive game, it is stressful to play football against them because there are a lot of one-on-one tackles. And in front of 60,000 fans, they will want to put us under pressure, so I am really looking forward to it.”

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