Martin O’Neill might select to relaxation key Celtic gamers for Thursday’s Europa League play-off go to to Stuttgart however rejected the notion it might be a weakened facet.
Celtic suffered a 4-1 defeat to the Bundesliga facet in Glasgow final week and face a derby go to to Rangers on Sunday.
The weekend loss at dwelling to Hibernian leaves the reigning Premiership champions third within the league, chasing their Glasgow rivals and leaders Hearts.
Having by no means emerged victorious on German soil, Celtic may have win by three objectives simply to take the tie to extra-time.
However, on-loan full-back Julian Araujo is the one match participant to have been excused the journey.
“Preparations have been absolutely fine,” mentioned interim supervisor O’Neill. “We’ll make decisions on the team tomorrow.
“We’re wanting ahead to the sport and we now have some travelling followers coming, spending their cash, so we owe it to them.
“Whatever side we put out won’t be a weakened team because the players are capable of playing and there’s been competition for places since I’ve come in.”
O’Neill accepts such a convincing first-leg win for Stuttgart makes the hosts large favourites to tackle both Porto or Braga within the final 16.
“They are a very fine side although I think the stats, strangely enough, tell you that the game was much closer and we gave away some very poor goals and were still very much in the game at half-time,” he mentioned.
“That last one was poor as you’re still in the game at 3-1 and we missed a couple of decent chances.
“It’s simpler mentioned than performed, however we’ll get some possibilities. These issues can occur.
“We could get beat in the game but we’ve got to try and make a fist of this. We made this great effort to beat Feyenoord and did brilliantly in Bologna with 10 men for most of the match. We didn’t want to waste that.
“You attempt all season, desirous to win the league when you can and to attempt to progress in Europe.
“Last season’s effort in the Champions League was really excellent and that’s where this season’s disappointment comes into play.”
