Murdo Macleod picked up Harald Brattbakk from the airport yesterday ahead of this evening’s Europa Conference League clash at Celtic Park, which incidentally is heading towards a sell-out. Murdo of course was assistant manager to Wim Jansen in Brattbakk’s debut season at the club and of course no-one needs reminding of the most famous goal of the Norwegian’s career, the one that put the final nail in the coffin of Rangers FC’s (now defunct) attempt to win Ten in a Row, thus beating Jock Stein’s record set in 1974.
Celtic remain the first club to have won 9IAR and the first to win it twice. Few remember the name of the second man to walk on the moon. So Harald’s goal against St Johnstone that sunny day in early May 1998 is always worthy of a mention and a wee celebration.
Brattbakk also appeared on The Celtic View podcast, which you can watch below.
The Norwegian is also featured in tonight’s Matchday Programme and will be working on Celtic TV. Here’s a little of what the popular former Celtic striker has been saying, firstly on tonight’s opponents, the two in a row Norwegian Champions Bodo/Glimt.
“They have been making a name for themselves in Norway and they are definitely one of the most significant teams in the country. Their change has happened over the last 10 years, where they laid out plans to be a really strong team that can fight for titles.
“What has been a surprise is that they have repeated their success because they lost a lot of players when they won their first league title. But they signed new players and won it again. They still have a strong team and they like to play quickly towards the opponent’s goal and that’s something we will see against Celtic,” Brattbakk stated.
“The results against Roma will give Bodø huge confidence. The experience will help them, but the big drawback is that it’s their first game of the season. Celtic are in the middle of their season and playing every week, plus to have the home advantage, I think both will benefit them.
“I do hope Bodo/Glimt puts in a good performance and makes it a very exciting game, but in the end, I do want Celtic to make it through as winners. If Celtic play their own game that should be enough on a normal day to win because Bodø/Glimt have lost some really important players.
“Celtic needs to focus on their own game and if they do they will have a good chance of winning. However, if they’re not 100 per cent focused they will get a surprise.”
