Benjamin Nygren makes 'up and down' Celtic admission

Celtic star Benjamin Nygren has opened up on the damaging defeat to LASK that saw the Bhoys miss out on Champions League football again this season. Nygren and his teammates once had a four-goal lead over the Austrian club in that tie, only to concede the next five goals and crash out of the qualifiers.

It was a spectacular collapse that made headlines around Europe, and it has been a mentally damaging one for this group. Celtic have continued to struggle on big occasions since the defeat, and while there are tactical and personnel issues, it does feel as though there is a serious mental block.

Speaking to Swedish media, Nygren recalled: "It’s tough, of course. As a player, you always want to play in the biggest tournaments and I was looking forward to going to the Champions League so much.

“It’s extra tough, especially after we missed out on penalties last year. You have to try to move on as quickly as possible. It can’t sit around for too long, but it’s difficult. The fans want us to play in the biggest tournaments just like we do. Of course, they’ll be as disappointed as we are. But as it is, we have to try to make the best of the situation.

“The last week has also been tough with three straight losses, two of which were against Rangers, which was extra tough. It’s been a bit up and down, but personally I’ve done very well in many games. I’ve scored a few goals and assisted.”

Nygren has been good in some games this season, but he has been one of those who has gone missing in some of the bigger outings. Nygren is one of the players the Bhoys rely on to bring real quality at the top end of the pitch, but the Hoops have not had any real production from him or any of the attack during this disappointing three-game run.

But he is not claiming to have played well in every game, and he will know as well as anyone that he needs to step up if Celtic are going to turn things around.