Connor Humm

Tue 6 September 2022 9:24, UK

Alan Hutton has claimed Jota and Liel Abada will be “massively important” for Celtic when they take on Real Madrid on Tuesday (6 September).

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Rangers right-back said the Hoops will play in same vein as they have done all season in their Champions League opener.

Ange Postecoglou’s side face Real on Tuesday in the first stage of their Champions League group stage campaign.

Celtic earned automatic qualification for the competition by winning the Scottish Premiership title last season.

Both Jota and Abada starred for Celtic in a 4-0 win over Rangers on Saturday (3 September).

When asked how important players like Abada and Jota will be for the game against Real Madrid, Hutton told Football Insider‘s Charlotte Cohen: “They will be massively important.

“It’s not just what they do going forward, they work ever so hard as well. You see them chasing back, getting in to a defensive position and really helping each other out so they’ll need that.

“There is no doubt this will be one of their biggest tests against Real Madrid. I think they will continue to play in the same way, even though it is one of the best teams they’re coming up against.

“Abada and Jota will have to be on their A-game there’s no doubt about that. Celtic have those outlets going forward so I think they’ll be looking forward to it.“

In other news, a pundit fears a Premier League club will poach Ange Postecoglou from Celtic.