HEARTS legend Rudi Skacel has backed Slavia Prague to dump Celtic out of the Champions League - despite hailing the ‘extraordinary’ atmosphere at Parkhead.
Should they find away past CFR Cluj, the Hoops will face the Czech champions for a precious place in the group phase.
And Skacel, who enjoyed three separate spells at Slavia, is adamant his former club have nothing to fear from the Bhoys - and believes the experience of facing Chelsea in the Europa League quarter-finals last term could be pivotal.
Slavia lost out 5-3 on aggregate against the Blues despite shining in both legs, with Maurizio Sarri’s men going on to lift the trophy in Baku.
Skacel said: “Celtic are a strong team but I don’t believe Slavia have anything to worry about.
“We will find out a lot from the match at Parkhead - and if they can compete there, then they have a big chance to progress.
“Celtic are very strong at home, it will be sold out and - although Celtic were always a big rival when I was at Hearts - I must admit the atmosphere is really extraordinary.
“It will be a very even tie. For Celtic, advancing to the Champions League is a similar priority to winning the Scottish League - it is such a crucial thing and they have better experience than Slavia.
“But there are a lot of players left at Slavia from their previous success in the Europa League - they have also experienced Chelsea and, if they can perform on that stage, they have nothing to worry about. I believe Slavia can do it.”
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Tynecastle hero Skacel, who lifted the Scottish Cup twice during his two spells in Gorgie, is no stranger to facing Celtic - and has given Slavia the low-down on what to expect.
Speaking to iSport in his homeland, the ex-Dundee United and Raith Rovers man continued: “Celtic put a real emphasis on commitment. It is a very British style - physical and tough.
“However, they can play it on the ground too and have some good combinations when they attack.
“They have a lot of quality footballers and promising youngsters in their team. It is an uncomfortable opponent for Slavia, for sure.”
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