Former Kilmarnock star Manuel Pascali has slated Celtic as "embarrassing" for their Champions League record as he predicted tonight's clash against Lazio.
Brendan Rodgers' side must win to keep their slim hopes of playing European football beyond Christmas alive.
Rugby Park hero Pascali has been far from impressed by Celtic's results in Europe, but he feels they could be in with a chance in the Italian capital tonight.
Speaking to La Lazio Siamo Noi, he previewed the match saying: “It’s going to be open, Celtic need to win today and against Feyenoord next time to stay in Europe, as well as hoping for a favour from Atletico Madrid today.
“It’s not easy though because they have an embarrassing record in Europe: in the last 39 games in the Champions League they’ve won two, drawn four and lose 32.
“On the other hand they’re coming up against a struggling team, which is going through a difficult period and has a lot of players out.
“I’m expecting a tense game with a lot of adrenaline. Lazio will want to win to put this negative period behind them, and to advance in the competition.
“These are the kind of nights which often come along at the right moment, they bring the Champions League atmosphere and the fans are fired-up – these nights can give you that little bit extra.
“Rodgers did well to call for cool heads, because it’s not easy to play in that kind of atmosphere.”
On the threats that Celtic could pose on Lazio, Pascali added: “The intensity and rhythm of the play. Rodgers should have players with good legs available, like Forrest who was one of the youngsters when I played in Scotland – he’s one who could give Celtic that cutting edge they’re looking for.
“It’s not in their nature to sit back and counter-attack, they’ll go at it straight away at a thousand miles an hour and raise the rhythm, knowing that this is their last chance.
“They’ll be confident because the last game was only settled right at the end, so they’ll know it’s all to play for but also that they can’t make any mistakes.”
