Rennes wary despite Celtic record

Celtic have won only once in their last 31 games on the road in Europe and most recently lost 2-0 to Atletico Madrid in their Group I opener in Spain. However, at the pre-match press conference Antonetti played a straight bat when informed of the Parkhead club’s continental troubles.

“I haven’t taken a great deal of interest in their previous European experiences” he said. “I am only interested in what they have done this season. Celtic are a big name in European football.

“They play football, and not just the kick and rush football you expect from British sides.

“We have watched them on numerous occasions, as we would with any opponent, regardless of whether it is in the league, the League Cup, or in Europe.

“I personally have only seen them on videos and there is a great deal of physical effort but no lack of finesse, particularly in the middle of the park.”

Antonetti, who claimed he will rest his highly-rated superstar midfielder Yann M’Vila because the France international is too tired, admitted he had seen a video of Celtic’s terrible first-half performance at Kilmarnock on Saturday where they lost three goals before fighting back after the break to grab a point. However, he played down that calamitous 45 minutes from Celtic who have won only four of their last 12 games.

He said: “I saw the first half – but I also saw the second.

“This is a challenge for us and we need to get the three points.”