CHRIS THE REDEEMER

Chris Jullien on the importance of collective self-belief on the cusp of Celtic’s latest European group-stage journey

- JOE DONNELLY

IN this week’s Poll of the Season feature on page 44, we profile four of Celtic’s most entertaining last-minute winners – one of which is Scott McDonald’s most renowned strike in green and white, scored 13 years ago against tomorrow night’s opponents, AC Milan.

Having fallen to the Rossoneri in the UEFA Champions League last 16 knockout round during the 2006/07 trail, the Hoops hosted Carlo Ancelotti’s side in the group stages of the following season’s UCL campaign on Wednesday, October 7, 2007.

On the night, captain Stephen McManus fired his side in front over the hour, before Brazilian wizard Kaka levelled from the spot just six minutes later. All things considered, a point against the reigning European champions would have been a good result, but Celtic’s Australian frontman had other ideas when goalkeeper Dida parried a long-range, 90th-minute Gary Caldwell effort into his path six yards from goal, leaving little time for reply.

That night was one to remember, as was the last time the nine-in-a-row Scottish champions took on Italian opposition in Glasgow’s East End.

Of Celtic’s two encounters against Lazio in last season’s UEFA Europa League group stage, the latter clash in Rome on November 7 stands out most.

After all, Neil Lennon’s men came from one down, they snatched three points five minutes into second half added time, and clinched their first ever win on Italian soil with an Olivier Ntcham match-winner that was later named Goal of the Season.