Just how big a night is this for Ronny Deila?

It’s huge. If Ajax do win, and let’s say by a couple of goals, then that’s it for Europe this season and the manager, who thought his team were good enough for the Champions League back in the summer, will have to admit failure.

It would hurt his standing and he would really need to win a Treble and get his team playing better football because there are increasingly more sceptics among the support who by and large still back the Norwegian.

The Herald: Celtic's Stuart Armstrong celebrates the first goal

Celtic haven’t had bad luck as such, they can’t curse any bounce of the ball, they simply haven’t been good enough against mediocre opposition.

A few years ago, Celtic were a Champions League team at best and, at worst, one which would get through the group stages of the Europa League. On the evidence so far, they are some way from even that right now.

 

If Deila can rally his troops and they pull of a win, it would be one of the biggest of his career in Glasgow. They then could still go through, which would be nothing short of remarkable.

But with Scott Brown, Nir Bitton and Kris Commons missing, three of his best players, plus Stefan Johansen, then this is a challenge it’s fair to say.

So who need to show up tonight?

Everyone, to be frank. Too often in Europe, and in Scotland to a certain degree, Celtic have been playing with eight or nine men. In almost every game there have been passengers. Even an average Ajax won’t let them off with that.

 This is a chance for a few to show they deserve to wear a Celtic jersey. Stuart Armstrong is due a big game, Gary Mackay-Steven needs to get this season going, while there might be a chance for Scott Allan who has had a frustrating start to his Celtic career.

And what about the defence?

It has looked better in recent weeks but there is a feeling that Celtic will have to score twice to ensure they win.

Jozo Simunovic is clearly a talent and this evening ought to be the game which truly announces his arrival.

The Herald: ZAGREB, CROATIA - JULY 28: Ola Kamara (R) of FC Molde in action against Jozo Simunovic (L) of Dinamo Zagreb during the UEFA Champions League Third Qualifying Round 1st Leg match between FC Dinamo Zagreb and FC Molde at Maksimir stadium  on July 28, 2015 i

 

And the full-backs can’t bomb up the wings all the time, as they like doing. Celtic are good enough to score so the back four can’t afford to leave any space at the back.

Are Ajax any good?

It’s Ajax 2015. So they aren’t going to win any European trophies but they will pass the ball well and, as we saw in the first game, there are one or two class acts.

But they are not that good. It’s not the Ajax of a few years ago. A full strength Celtic at home would have beat them. Probably.

And one with players missing also have a chance. It’s just that I fear for them.

Prediction

Celtic 1, Ajax 2 (sorry)