3
jimmy
We are a
massive
club and
there's no
reason
why we
can't do
well in
T
hurope
JIMMY JOHNSTONE Is no stranger to the
drama of heady European nights.
The former Celtic winger will no doubt be one of
the most popular names on the scrolls of honour that
will be submitted for the Hall of Fame over the next
few weeks, and as one of the stars of a team who led
the Hoops to their highest-ever accolade he will be a
delighted spectator tonight as Ajax visit Celtic Park.
For Johnstone, this evening's contest has stirred
memories of the time he came up against the mighty
Dutch side back in 1971 and was powerless to prevent
a disappointing European exit on the back of a 3-1
aggregate defeat. This time around however, it couldn't
be more different as Martin O'Neill's men prepare to
consolidate the emphatic lead they established in
Amsterdam a fortnight ago.
"We held them in Amsterdam for most of the match
and then in the last half-hour or so Johan Cruyff really
turned it on and they scored three quick goals which
was absolutely fatal for us," recollected Johnstone.
"They were a great side with Cruyff hitting his
peak, as well as Krol and Neeskens, but I think we
were a wee bit complacent and once their first goal
went in we seemed to collapse.
"It's amazing that although we were 3-0 down, we
still played the second leg at Hampden because there
were so many fans that wanted to see the match, and
who believed we could still manage to get through.
"As it was I managed to score a goal midway
through the first half but there was no contest. They
just soaked everything up, but were a constant threat
with Cruyff lurking up front."
But today, Celtic's 3-1 victory in Amsterdam has
not only given them the best possible opportunity
to progress into the lucrative group stages of the
Champions League, but has also restored some
credibility to a team that were once revered
throughout the entire European arena.
"In terms of European football the name of Ajax
is up there with the very best," explained Johnstone.
"Although their team was young, their name still
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carries a lot of charisma. Celtic had to go there and
play away from home, and the particularly impressive
thing for me was that Celtic just didn't let them play.
"Right from the kick-off we were quick to shut
down any Ajax moves very quickly, while everyone
in the team played their part perfectly. There were no
failures; everyone was excellent.
"I think credit has to be given for the way in which
they went about their business and to be honest, it
seemed Ajax were a bit surprised at how strong the
Celtic side were.
"Success in Europe is such a massive thing for any
club, and it's where you earn prestige and also where a
lot of money is generated from. You just have to look
at Manchester United to see what can be achieved
and the rewards which it can bring, and I think that's
where Celtic should be.
"We are a massive club with a superb stadium and
some fabulous players and there is no reason why we
can't have a decent run in Europe this season.
"There are no easy teams though, and every game
will be a difficult match. Sometimes it can be better to
go into games as the underdogs and that way you can
raise your game, the way Leeds did last season.
"The game against Ajax will have certainly raised
Celtic's profile and made a few people sit up and take
notice. They played fantastically well and anyone who
watched the game could see for themselves that it was
3-1 going on 6-1."
Despite the fact that Celtic have a comfortable
cushion between themselves and their Dutch
opponents, Johnstone is still eager to see the team
play with the same urgency that characterised their
performance in the Amsterdam ArenA.
Said the Lisbon Lion: "We didn't sit back even
when we were firmly in front and I think that we'll
have to try and keep that going tonight when we
start the second leg.
"I wouldn't ever be complacent about Ajax's
chances because if they get an early goal tonight
then it could be an entirely different ball game and
