John Collins believes Celtic's Champions League play-off against Austrian side LASK is a £40 million winner-takes-all showdown that could define their entire season. The former Celtic midfielder warned that failure would trigger a backlash similar to last season's humiliating exit to Kairat Almaty.
Pressure Mounts
Collins said: "Yes. From the fans' point of view, it makes or breaks the positivity. Every Celtic fan, all they're talking about is the Champions League. There's no atmosphere like it, nothing comes close to it."
"That's what the fans want. Once you've had a taste of it and you don't get it, you feel like you've lost something. The board knows that, the players know that, so you really have got to get the players and the team in order to achieve that."
Expectation to Win
Collins dismissed the threat posed by LASK, insisting Celtic should be winning the tie. "Let's be realistic, it's not a tough opponent, they're not playing against a bad PSG, this is a game they should be winning. But no disrespect, I've never seen the opposition, I wouldn't imagine they are a great European team to be feared."
"But they'll be efficient, they'll be organised, they'll be fit and they'll have one or two good players. But that's all the more pressure on Celtic to win it. The expectation is, who's this team from Austria? But they need to try and get some players in."
Transfer Concerns
Collins expressed surprise at Celtic's slow-moving transfer window, urging the club to strengthen before the two-legged tie. He called for dynamic midfielders and a winger who can beat players and get to the byeline.
"I'd like to see another couple of dynamic midfield players to add to the group. I'd like to see another winger that can beat players, get to the byeline. Of course, you've got Jota coming back. Will he ever be the same again? Big question mark. They've got him in the background but I think they need another winger."
"James Forrest has been a great servant. He looks lively so he could still be a 30 minute player in the SPFL but I'd like to see another quality winger that can lift and light up the stadium. He's got a bit of pace, he can get to the byeline, take on a full back. It's hard to find in Celtic's budget but that's the challenge, you're looking for these type of players."
Potential Exits
Celtic's recruitment could accelerate if Alistair Johnston and Arne Engels depart. Everton are pushing for Johnston, while West Ham are in talks for Engels. Collins believes Celtic should have planned for their exits.
"I'd be very surprised if Celtic hadn't planned on losing them and been scouting both positions over the last year. I've certainly thought Johnston would be going to England in the last couple of seasons. I've been surprised that English teams haven't come in."
"No disrespect to Engels, but I think if he can get £20m, it would be a great bit of business for Celtic. But again you've got to replace him. He's energetic, he's got legs so you need to find a like for like replacement."
Scottish Talent Shortage
Collins doubts there is enough talent in Scotland to improve Celtic, even as Hibs midfielder Miguel Chaiwa is linked with a move. "Is there anyone who would make Celtic better in Scotland? I'm not so sure if I'd take any of these guys at this moment in time."
"Chaiwa? Physically he's very good, technically I'm not sure he's good enough to play for Celtic. He's got to tidy up his technical side of his game in my opinion before he can talk about being a Celtic player."
Collins also said Martin O'Neill missed a trick by not signing former Motherwell star Elijah Just. "I would have taken him, he would've been my first signing for Celtic. He ticked a lot of boxes for me. I said that in January he's a player I really like watching. In my opinion, he would have improved Celtic."
