Celtic defender Jozo Simunovic has insisted that Red Bull Salzburg will not be favourites ahead of the Bhoys to win at Parkhead during the Europa League Group B clash on Thursday.

Brendan Rodgers’ men climbed to the summit of the Scottish Premiership table with a thumping 5-1 win over Kilmarnock on Saturday at Parkhead.




The Scottish champions have been in stellar form in recent weeks and will be aiming to continue their momentum in the Europa League, where they need at least a draw against leaders Red Bull Salzburg to qualify for the knockout stages.

Despite the visitors’ 100 per cent record in the competition, Simunovic claimed that they are far from favourites to win at Parkhead on Thursday.
 


The Croatian also added that Celtic are aiming to give their everything in order to try and secure a win over the leaders to extend their involvement in Europe this season.

“It means a lot to get through the group stage and still be in European competition into the new year”, Simunovic was quoted as saying by the Herald.

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“We’ll be giving everything on Thursday night to achieve that.

"It won’t be easy.

"Salzburg have been the best team in the group for sure.

“But our stadium’s no favourite for any team to come to, and we want to win this game, simple as that.”

Celtic suffered a 3-1 defeat during the reverse fixture between the sides in October, but will be boosted by the return from injury of skipper Scott Brown.