Source: FOOTYMAD
Hooiveld sees a way back against Braga
The tie is still wide open according to several players. Jos Hooiveld has urged fans to will them on to mount a comeback against Braga on Wednesday in the crucial second leg of the Champions League qualifier at Parkhead. A poor defensive show in Portugal left the Hoops' hopes of staying in Europe's premier club competition looking decidedly shaky. Three sloppy goals allowed Braga to arrive in Glasgow with a formidable lead into the second leg of the third-qualifying-round tie. The Dutch defender is confident the visitors will wilt under the pressure of playing in front of a packed house at Parkhead. Hooiveld said: "I hope it will be an atmosphere with 60,000 crazy Celtic fans screaming at them on Wednesday. I think they aren't used to that kind of atmosphere. If you look at their attendance for the first leg then it was much smaller than what it will be on Wednesday and I think we can 'put the fire at their shins', as we say in Holland. They could be our 12th, 13th and 14th man for sure." Neil Lennon has admitted his side will have to improve at defending set-pieces after slack marking led to their heavy defeat. Celtic's defensive difficulties were exposed once again this weekend at the Emirates Cup, where they conceded three goals against Arsenal and two against Lyon. Artur Boruc's replacement, Lukasz Zaluska lacked confidence between the posts, while poor marking gifted Arsenal two of their three goals. Hooiveld is convinced Celtic do not have an issue with dealing with set-plays, however. He said: "I don't think it's a problem for us. We couldn't stop the penalty or the free-kick in Braga but we should've stopped the other goal. I don't think it's a big problem. Last year it wasn't. People are concerned but we aren't." Lennon has denied the packed pre-season schedule, which included a tour of North America and the tournament in London, has jeopardised his side's chances of qualifying for the Champions League. Hooiveld admits some of the team's energy may have been sapped but insists the experience has been worthwhile. He said: "If I had to choose, I would have done it differently. We have played so many games, we have done so much travelling. No matter how you do it, you're always going to lose energy from that kind of travelling. We should not have lost so much energy from that. On the other hand, it's good to play the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal. That is a good way to prepare, although I would have preferred it if it was in Lennoxtown, our training ground." One player who will not be starting on Wednesday is winger Aiden McGeady. Lennon claimed the Republic of Ireland international has an injury but the former Hoops' youth player is said to be flying to Russia today to meet with Spartak Moscow, who having reportedly made a bid of around £9.5million for him. Barclays Premier League sides Tottenham and Aston Villa are said to be interested in the 24-year-old as well. Whilst acknowledging McGeady is an important player, Hooiveld believes the side would be able to cope without him if he left. Hooiveld said: "He is a huge player for Celtic. If you cross the street with him then there's no chance that you'll be noticed because everyone knows him. He's a great player, but we do have back-up for him."
