Ex Hoops star explains two reasons why Ferencvaros is 'the last game Celtic need' amid European distraction

Former Hoops striker Cillian Sheridan believes their Europa League opener against Ferencvaros is ‘last thing Celtic need’ as the fixture is wedged in between a double-header against Rangers.

Normally the glitz and glamour of European football is what Celtic fans live for but on this occasion, Sheridan reckons it can act as a distraction for manager Martin O’Neill and co. The Hoops kick-off their league phase campaign against the Hungarian giants tonight at Celtic Park, where they’ll also play their rivals on Sunday in the Premiership.

The manager insists that his full focus is on Thursday night’s fixture despite the Old Firm lingering. What won’t help is Celtic’s 3-0 defeat at Ibrox in the League Cup quarter final last weekend - a result that has cast a shadow over an otherwise flawless domestic campaign. O’Neill’s tactics come under scrutiny at the weekend, as well as his team selection, making it even more fascinating to find out how the veteran gaffer will navigate the next 72 hours.

Europa League clash ‘the last thing Celtic need’ - Sheridan

Speaking on BBC Sounds’ Scottish Football Podcast, the Irishman said: “It's the last game I think Celtic really need. A, before the game against Rangers at the weekend and B, the game after losing to Rangers there last weekend. It's a game where, if Celtic need to go and win it - yes, it's a good result - but everyone is going to be looking towards the weekend and how Celtic bounce back from Rangers.

“It doesn't and won't matter if Celtic go and win today and then have the same performance against Rangers at the weekend as they just did there. So it's probably the worst timing for them in terms of that, in terms of where it's coming between those two games. There's a lot of onus on Celtic now to improve from Sunday.”

Less than six months ago, manager O’Neill could do no wrong as Celtic boss as his Midas touch brought them the League-cup double in dramatic fashion. Fast forward to now, the Champions League play-off defeat to LASK Linz and defeat to Rangers have already sparked questions about his credentials in the big occasions.

Scottish football coin could flip any minute

While Rangers possess the current derby bragging rights, however a Celtic win on Sunday would put them eight points clear in the league. While Sheridan is aware Celtic weren’t at the races last weekend, he also thinks the nature of the Scottish football pendulum could work in the Hoops’ favour if they get a result at the weekend.

He continued: “At the same time, it wouldn't surprise me if Celtic go and have a good performance tonight and then they turn Rangers over at the weekend and then suddenly everything flips again. It's such a quick-moving footballing world, especially here in Scotland between Celtic and Rangers.”

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