Benjamin Nygren has belief in exciting Celtic Europa League run

Benjamin Nygren is feeling optimistic ahead of Celtic’s all-important Europa League match against Utrecht.

The Swedish midfielder, who scored a terrific free kick against Hearts last weekend, spoke at Lennoxtown about last week’s away tie against Bologna and looking ahead to tomorrow’s clash.

Celtic know they are guaranteed to qualify for the knockout stages should they defeat the Dutch side.

“Yeah, obviously it’s a different game tomorrow. Unfortunately, we had to play with 10 men for 70 minutes or something. We did well before that, and then we scored a 2-0 goal. Unfortunately, we couldn’t win that game.

“We were still happy with the draw because we had to run so much. We had a strong defensive performance even though we had 10 men against a strong side.

“We play at home, and we have to win. We will be front-footed and make a strong performance.”

“We would be very happy, of course, if we go through. Everyone knows it hasn’t been as we’ve all wanted. Of course, we wanted to play in the biggest competition. We can still make a lot out of this season. Tomorrow is a very important game.

“Since I was a kid, when you play in a tournament, you always want to go as far as possible and win the tournament you’re in. That’s still the case. I think if we go through we can for sure go far in the competition.”

Utrecht have been in poor form in the run-up to their final match in European football for the campaign, having lost their previous five matches in all competitions.

“You can never underestimate a team at the professional level. At the professional level, every team can play and every team has some quality players.

“You always need to put in a strong performance to win a game, and that’s what we need to do tomorrow.”

The Swede also stated he was aware of Martin O’Neill’s famous run to the UEFA Cup Final in 2003, and that he has belief in the squad’s depth is enough to go on a run of their own.

“I’ve heard it multiple times since I came here. I’ve heard some stories, and there were some Swedish guys who played there as well and were a huge part of their success. So, it’s for sure stories that I’ve heard.

“Obviously, we’ll have to take it game by game. I cannot sit here and talk about that we should go far in the tournament because we have to win tomorrow to first go through.

“That’s our focus now. I think if we go through, we have the quality in the squad to do well.”

Looking at his own performances this season, Nygren was pleased with his terrific free-kick at the weekend, but emphasised that his main focus wasn’t on his goal tally but creating chances for his side.

He said, “Yeah, for sure. It’s something I’ve been working on since I was a kid. I think I have a good, strong free kick. Obviously, I’m not a number nine, so it’s not my main focus (goalscoring). I want to perform well and help the team. One of my strongest attributes as a player has always been to create chances. I always try to create chances for the team so we can win.”

Nygren also explained his goal celebration from Sunday’s match, which saw him run straight to the dugout.

“It was just the heat of the moment. I was happy for the whole team, and I just ran in that direction, and I wanted to celebrate with the whole team.”

Nygren also reflected on his international aspirations and the importance that good performances in Europe can have towards achieving those goals.

“It’s very important. In today’s football, it’s many different competitions. As a player, you want to do well in every competition you’re in. If it’s with the club or with the national team. This year is a massive year with the national team as well.”