Collins targets better defensive displays

Celtic assistant manager John Collins believes the Hoops can still triumph in Europe this season, but admits they need to improve defensively.

Ronny Deila's side have conceded nine goals in four Europa League games to leave them bottom of Group A following two defeats by Molde.

However, Celtic will qualify for the knockout stages if they beat Ajax at home and follow it up with victory away against Fenerbahce.

The Hoops have won their last six domestic games but Collins has previously stated they find it difficult when stepping up to European level.

He said: "Obviously European teams have a lot of talent throughout them. We are playing against champions.

"We have had a lot of injuries at the back, we have chopped and changed. That's two reasons.

"We are doing very well domestically, creating lots of chances and scoring goals. But we have conceded more than we would like.

"We work hard on the training ground every day and try to get better. The challenge in Europe is for the two games coming up.

"We win those games and we are through. We can look at the positives or the negatives but we are still in it.''

Celtic lost leads against both Ajax and Fenerbahce to draw 2-2 in each game and Collins is convinced they can improve.

He said: "What gives me the encouragement is, if anyone watched the performance in Amsterdam against a big club - a good team, renowned for developing talent and playing good football - we went there and were a match for them from start to finish, passing and moving and creating chances.

"We look at the game and think, if we were a match for them there, we can be a match for them here and better in front of a fantastic crowd at Celtic Park.

"We played very well against Fenerbahce and scored a couple of terrific goals.

We conceded goals when we shouldn't have. They are two 50-50 games against big clubs and we look forward to the challenge.''