Toughest test yet, warns Boyd

Football Writer

Monday 11 February 2013

CELTIC probably thought Barcelona would be the most difficult opponents they would face this season.

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Graeme Macpherson

Tom Boyd believes Juventus may in fact be tougher to overcome.

The Italian champions do not possess the same glittering array of attacking options, but Boyd believes they are likely to demonstrate greater defensive fortitude, even without the injured Giorgio Chiellini.

However, the former Parkhead captain backed Celtic to prevail on home soil tomorrow night in the first leg of the Champions League last-16 tie and believes they stand a good chance of making the quarter-finals. "Looking at the goals we scored against Barcelona from set pieces, I think that's where Celtic are strong," Boyd said. "But I don't think we will have as good a chance of scoring that way against Juventus: Italian teams are renowned for strong defence."However, you also wouldn't imagine Juventus will have the same level of possession as Barcelona had, or the same ability, although [Andrea] Pirlo is brilliant in the middle of the park. It's a completely different game. Juventus won't be as intimidating and on the night I'm certain Celtic can do it at home."On his former team's chances of progressing, Boyd added: "I think they can do it. Celtic have adapted superbly to European football. They won't concede too many goals at Celtic Park and then I'm sure they can go over there and do something."I think they can go into tomorrow's game with a degree of optimism given their previous results and the fact they are at home. I think they can make sure the tie's still alive going to Italy for the return leg."Celtic have put a lot of decent teams to the sword on nights like this: Milan, Manchester United and, of course, Barcelona this season. All of those teams have come to Celtic Park and left with nothing."

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Toughest test yet, warns Boyd

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