Celtic not at loss on our plastic pitch, say Finns

Celtic should not have any misgivings about HJK Helsinki’s artificial pitch ahead of the second leg of their Champions League third round qualifier on Wednesday night, according to the Finnish side’s assistant manager Juho Rantala.

Neil Lennon’s side are looking to defend their 2-1 lead from the first leg at Parkhead but goalkeeper Fraser Forster has voiced his concerns about the surface, saying it would probably feel “like you’re diving on a car park”.

However, Rantala moved to quash any notion that his side will have an advantage against the Scottish champions.