Killen looking for the backing of Bhoys fans
Only 21,492 turned up at Celtic Park on Wednesday night to see Gordon Strachan’s side crash out of the CIS Insurance Cup quarter-final with a 2-0 defeat by Hearts.
After taking on Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on Saturday lunchtime, Celtic will turn their attentions to Europe where they need three points against the Portuguese club to realistically keep their qualification hopes alive.
Killen is certain that a full house at Celtic Park will make the difference.
He said: “We go about our business whether there is 50,0000 or 5,000 watching but obviously it does help when you have a big crowd behind you.
“When you need an extra lift sometimes the crowd can help you.
“We don’t have to say anything to get the crowd there (against Benfica) because on European nights they are up for it and so are the players.
“We know the fans are going to be there so it’s just a case of applying ourselves right.
“As everyone knows, we’ve struggled away from home but we have a decent record at home.
“We obviously feel more comfortable playing at home in front of our fans and hopefully we can get the result that we need.”
Killen added: “You can never write yourself off but a defeat will put a big dent in our campaign hopes.
“I don’t think it is do-or-die but we do really need a result.”