Anthony Ralston is adamant Celtic can end their Champions League frustrations against Shakhtar Donetsk.
Ange Postecoglou ’s side host the Ukrainians on Tuesday looking to grab a cherished first win at the fifth attempt in Group F. Celtic have performed admirably for long spells in all four previous outings but a failure to take their chances has proved costly at Europe’s elite level.
Ralston insists that can change as they go into the clash on a high after another four goals against Hearts in the Premiership at the weekend made it 14 in three domestic wins since the loss to RB Leipzig almost two weeks ago. Ralston said: “We just need to continue taking our chances, so we take the positives and know what needs to be addressed moving forward in Europe. We have created a lot of chances in Europe and results could have been different, but we’re ready to put on a good performance.”
Celtic were unable to turn a host of opportunities into a win when they drew 1-1 with Shakhtar in Warsaw. That is the only point earned by Celtic in the group so far, meaning their hopes of progressing in the Champions League are already over.
But a desired win on home soil on their return to the group stages after a five-year exile would still give them a form of tangible reward for their positive efforts. Ralston said: “For sure. You know what European nights are like at Celtic Park. We’re all looking forward to that and we want to put on a good performance for the fans.”
Beating Shakhtar will keep Celtic’s hopes of making the Europa League alive with a trip to Real Madrid to come and Ralston said: “We see it a game at a time. We’ll see what position we’re in after Tuesday night and go from there.”
