CELTIC will look to exact some revenge on Cluj in the second game of Group E in the Europa League tonight (Thursday) after the Romanian side knocked Celtic out of the Champions League qualifying round.

Callum McGregor took note of the Romanian champions’ win over Lazio in the first round of games and believes the result reflects the highly competitive group that Celtic find themselves in.

“It’s a tough group,” said McGregor in this week’s Celtic View. “When you look at the teams in it, they’re all very good teams and we respect everyone in the group. That result in the other game shows just how balanced the group is.

“If you look after your own aspects and prepare well, then anyone can beat each other in this group. When we see that result we know if we’re on it then we’re capable of getting something as well.”

McGregor said Celtic’s performance in the 1-1 draw with Rennes in the opening Group E game was a reflection of the confidence that has grown from the good start in the league and the manager’s high expectations.

“I think the confidence from the domestic games is showing in Europe,” he said. “We’ve started well and the Ibrox win gave everyone a lift. No matter who we’re playing against, we can go to these stadiums in Europe and get results. The manager wants us to play pragmatic football and get results. He doesn’t want us to just go and play well and lose, he wants results and victories away from home.”

The pragmatic style of football McGregor mentioned has been evident in how Celtic have approached their European fixtures this season. Neil Lennon has openly admitted to not being hyper-focused on stats, but the Irishman does look at the number of shots his team rack up in a match.

The balance of possession and chances created has changed under Neil Lennon, and McGregor points out while Celtic might not have the ball as much in some games, they are being productive with it when they do have it.

“You could see in the Rennes game how effective we can be on the counter-attack,” he said. “We had a great move in the first half in which we nearly scored.

“We might not have as much of the ball in these European games, but as long as we have a good base with that four at the back and the two just ahead, then we can allow the front boys to go and get on with it.

“That’s a big factor in why we’ve done well in Europe so far in terms of getting to this point. Everyone thought it was going to be a tough game going to Rennes and coming away with a point in the first game is a great start. We probably will be slightly more pragmatic in Europe this year because that’ll get us results and get us through the group.”

For the full interview with Callum McGregor, see this week’s Celtic View, out now.

To download a digital version of the View, click on the banner below.

Callum McGregor aiming for right result against Cluj