Celtic manager Ronny Deila believes that winning the midfield battle will be vitally important in his side's Europa League tie against Italian giants Inter.
The Bhoys welcome the Nerazzurri to a sold out Celtic Park for the first leg on Thursday evening and Deila is aiming for his side to take a firm grip of the tie ahead of the return to Italy.
And to conquer the Italians, Deila feels midfield is set to be a vital area, telling a press conference today: "They have a lot of pace in the midfield and are aggressive. When they lose it they try to win it back so there will be a good tempo.
"A lot of it [beating Inter] will be about winning the midfield."
The Celtic manager accepts that his side start as underdogs against Inter and are not fancied to enjoy success in the Europa League in general, but he feels the nature of the Europa League, as a knockout cup competition, can work in their favour.
relatedNewsStory
"Everything is possible in football, but we have to be realistic.
"We're not favourites, but it's a cup", the Norwegian explained.
Celtic sit top of the Scottish Premiership table, while Inter are currently stuck in mid-table in Italy's Serie A.
The Italians have admitted viewing the Europa League as an opportunity to qualify for next season's Champions League as the winners enjoy direct entry into the group stage next term if the Champions League winners do not use the berth reserved for competition holders.
At present the Nerazzurri are well adrift of a top three spot in Serie A.
Like betting on football? Check out our sister site Inside Bet. Free bet offers, betting tips, betting facts. Visit Inside Bet.
