Celtic supporters will be praying for another miracle in Rome…

Tonight Celtic take on Lazio in Rome in our Champions League clash and it’s ultimately a win or bust clash. A draw is no use and if we want to be in contention for any sort of European football after Christmas we need to go all out for a victory.

That however will play into Lazio’s hands, although it should be noted that they need to win to, to guarantee their place in the knock-out rounds and not have to go to Madrid next month needing to get something from Atletico. It won’t be easy for Celtic, what with our injury and suspension problems, but this is the Eternal city after all, and anything is possible.

Brendan Rodgers’ side will need to be up for it from the word go and need to keep our shape and discipline and take our chances when the come if we want to emulate our famous win at the same venue in 2019. Indeed we need to go one better than that famous 2-1 victory at the Stadio Olimpico as ideally Celtic should look for a two goal winning margin to make the game against Feyenoord at Celtic Park very interesting indeed.

And let’s hope the Dutch Champions lose their perfect home record so far and suffer a home defeat to the group leaders this evening, a win that would guarantee top spot for Atletico.

It will be tough, but it’s a task I believe we are capable of achieving. It’s not impossible, we just need to believe in ourselves and perhaps get that little bit of luck that seldom comes our way in European football’ premier competition.

The Celtic players and management have been granted a visit to see the Pope while in Rome tomorrow. Let’s hope his Holiness puts in a good word with his boss upstairs ahead of tonight’s game and Celtic get a long overdue slice of luck – like Lazio got at Celtic Park – to keep our hopes of qualifying alive.