Celtic hero Charlie Nicholas has predicted defeat for his former club in their Europa League opener against Rennes.

The ex-striker isn't holding out much hope for Celts as they face a tough France trip to square-off against a side currently sitting second place in Ligue 1 behind PSG.

Celtic handed major boost for Rennes trip as top striker could miss Europa League clash

Even with Rennes potentially without their main striker M'Baye Niang who has a knee injury, Nicholas believes Celts will struggle against Julien Stéphan's side - because they FEAR playing away from home in Europe.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Nicholas predicted a 2-1 home victory, adding: "Rennes have started very well in Ligue 1. 

"I'm hoping that M'Baye Niang will not be playing. He is lightning quick, almost a lesser version of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

"These guys can play and move, and that is what Celtic struggle against.

Celtic hero Peter Grant claims Hoops fans would never 'let their club die' as he hails Fergus McCann

"Celtic will be good on the counter-attack, but their reputation is always the same. 

"They get scared when they travel away from home. 

"They don't know where to pitch their defence and whether to play a squeezing game or not. 

"They will have technically gifted players and pace out wide, where they will look to exploit. 

"Celtic still have defensive injuries and will not threaten here."