Fortress Parkhead key to Celtic’s hopes
A Kenny Miller penalty allowed the Hoops to pick up their first points of the group stages with a 1-0 victory over Copenhagen on home territory on Tuesday.
The Glasgow giants knew a win was crucial after losing their opener against Manchester United at Old Trafford a fortnight ago.
With two victories under their belt already, United are the clear favourites to top Group F, but Celtic have real aspirations of beating Copenhagen and Benfica to second place. And they know that could depend on whether they can ensure all their visitors leave Celtic Park empty-handed.
McManus said: “It was a massive win for us. Obviously, in the Champions League, you want to try and pick up three points at home in every game. That is our first win which is great for us.”
McManus and Gary Caldwell restricted Copenhagen to very few chances on goal but the 24-year-old insists they still have plenty to learn in the Champions League.
McManus said: “We are doing all right at the moment, but we are not going to get carried away. Gary and myself are both young lads but we are willing to learn.”
The win follows Saturday’s Old Firm triumph and Celtic boss Gordon Strachan believes the 2-0 victory over bitter rivals Rangers helped play a part in their success over Copenhagen.
He said: “It was a big night for us. We are a new group and the Old Firm result made us stronger.”
Strachan added: “Nights like that, when you are in the dressing room together, that is what builds up team spirit.”
Strachan was thrilled the skill of Celtic triumphed over the physical strength of the Danes on Tuesday. He said: “We were excellent in the first half. They are a big side, so we knew we could not get involved in the physical stuff, we had to move the ball about quickly.”
Strachan felt Celtic could have enjoyed a more comfortable scoreline had the referee spotted a couple of Michael Gravgaard challenges on McManus in the box. He said: “There could have been two penalties.
“The first one was incredible and the second one was just a sheer push in the back. I think the big centre-half was just that tired. But Stephen McManus was great for us.”
Speaking of the penalty Celtic were awarded, when Gravgaard tripped Shunsuke Nakamura, Copenhagen boss Stale Solbakken said: “I have not seen it on the television yet. The referee was thinking hard for a second or two, so he could not have been that sure. But I have no complaints because I have not seen it yet.”
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