Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic side return to European action this evening, with the Bhoys facing Bodo/Glimt in the second leg of their Europa Conference League clash.

And, with the Norwegian side having run out 3-1 winners at Parkhead last week, the 56-year-old’s outfit face an uphill battle if they are to qualify for the next round of the competition.

Indeed, the Hoops must defeat Kjetil Knutsen’s side by three clear goals to win the tie, or two clear goals to take the fixture at the Aspmyra Stadion to extra-time.

However, while it would still be a monumental feat for Celtic to pull off a comeback on Thursday night, the Bhoys have been handed a major boost ahead of the clash, with Bodo/Glimt’s number one, Nikita Haikin, being unavailable for selection as a result of suspension.

Major boost

The absence of the £1.35m-rated goalkeeper should not be understated, as the 26-year-old proved in the first leg of the tie that he is not only an excellent shot-stopper – saving five of Celtic’s shots, making one high claim and one punch – but also that he is a crucial part of the way the Norwegian side play.

Indeed, the Russian also enjoyed 61 touches of the ball at Parkhead, completed 27 passes – more than Celtic’s starting outfielders Tom Rogic, Daizen Maeda and Liel Abada – and attempted 17 long balls – six of which found their intended target.

These returns saw the shot-stopper earn an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.4, ranking him as Bodo/Glimt’s second-best performer last time out.

As such, it is clear for all to see that the loss of Haikin will undoubtedly come as a major blow to Knutsen and his side, while subsequently being a boost that will leave Postecoglou buzzing, however, the Bhoys still have it very much all to do if they are to continue their European cup run beyond this evening.

In other news: Ange must unleash “brilliant” £8.2k-p/w gem vs Bodo, he offers Celtic “so much more”