Celtic can get back on track, says

MjallbyJOHAN MJALL

The Bhoys have been defeated by Inverness in the Scottish Cup quarter-final and then drawn with Dundee since the glorious 2-0 win at Anfield almost three weeks ago.

But the Swedish international defender insists confidence is still high ahead of the first leg against the Portuguese side.

He said: “What you have to remember is that playing us is like a cup final for these teams and the games against Inverness and Dundee proved that.

“It was always going to be a bit strange against Caley because we made so many changes and, although I was still sure we would win, I think that played a big part.

“Of course it raised a few eyebrows, but I suppose it’s one of those results that makes football so interesting. It was different on Sunday though because I didn’t actually think we played that badly.

“We have definitely played worse this season and still got the three points, but Dundee put a lot of bodies behind the ball and played well. In terms of confidence, I don’t really think it’s knocked us.

“We’re still up there, and I think we’ll stay on a high as long as we get a good result on Thursday night.”

Mjallby will be fit for the Parkhead clash despite taking a kick to his foot at Dens Park.

But Hoops winger Steve Guppy could be ruled out for the remainder of the season as he must undergo surgery to repair a hernia in his groin.

Striker Shaun Maloney could still play against Boavista despite leaving Monday’s U-21 game against Livingston on crutches. The Scotland U-21 international has suffered a minor injury to his Achilles tendon, but is expected to be fit.

Goalkeeper Douglas is a definite starter against Boavista. The Scotland international was replaced by Javier Sanchez Broto in the 1-1 draw at Dundee on Sunday after he picked up a thigh knock with the national side.