Graeme Souness’ Celtic dig comes back to haunt him as Henrik Larsson recalls famous win

The Swedish striker was instrumental in Martin O’Neill’s side reaching the final in Seville, scoring 12 goals throughout the competition before Celtic suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to Porto.

However, Larsson has recalled how remarks made following Celtic’s second-round first-leg victory over Blackburn Rovers gave him additional determination to prove a point.

The Hoops secured a narrow 1-0 victory at Celtic Park thanks to Larsson’s winner, but Blackburn boss Souness was seemingly unimpressed by the Scottish champions.

Despite the defeat, Blackburn captain Garry Flitcroft revealed the former Rangers manager’s assessment of the contest.

Flitcroft said: “The gaffer said it was men against boys in there.”

Those comments eventually reached Larsson, who admitted they provided extra motivation ahead of the return leg at Ewood Park.

Speaking on Open Goal, Larsson said: “That was a lot of motivation.

“I heard something about ‘men against boys,’ and I wasn’t too pleased about that one because I think we gave them a good game at Celtic and then completely destroyed them down there.”

Celtic subsequently produced an impressive performance in England, securing a 2-0 victory to progress 3-0 on aggregate, with Larsson once again finding the net.

The usually reserved Swede was quick to deliver his response following the victory, issuing a pointed message to Souness and Blackburn.