“We’re hungry for a result that can give us a boost,” FC Utrecht skipper

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The Celtic Star

·28 January 2026

“We’re hungry for a result that can give us a boost,” FC Utrecht skipper

FC Utrecht skipper Nick Viergever believes their upcoming Europa League clash with Celtic on Thursday could provide a timely chance to reset after a disastrous spell of results…

Nick Viergever of FC Utrecht during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between SC Freiburg and FC Utrecht at Stadion am Wolfswinkel on October 23, 2025 in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)

The Eredivisie outfit head to Celtic Park already out of the competition, while the Scottish champions only need a victory to secure progression to the knockout playoffs in February.

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Utrecht arrive on the back of five straight defeats, a run that has increased frustration among supporters and raised concerns about the club’s direction.

However, the experienced defender feels the lack of expectation could work in their favour against Martin O’Neill’s men, allowing the squad to play with less pressure.

Nick Viergever of FC Utrecht during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between SC Freiburg and FC Utrecht at Stadion am Wolfswinkel on October 23, 2025 in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Getty Images)

Speaking ahead of the match tomorrow night, Viergever said via Glasgow Times: “I hope everyone can pull themselves together and show something in our final European match.”

“Playing against such a club should motivate us to do that more often in the future and to escape the situation we’re currently in as a team. We’re hungry for a result that can give us a boost with no pressure.”

“We had targets for this season, and it’s clear we are a long way from that now. Our performances are way below par. We’re failing as a team.”

Viergever added: “I’m always in favour of starting a season with a manager and ending it with the same manager. Everyone bears the ultimate responsibility. We are all in this together, and if we are failing, we are in it together, too.”

“None of us should want this situation we’re in now. Everyone needs to look at themselves. It’s difficult because at the moment, there is no confidence, only negativity. We can’t shy away from that tough schedule. We have to work hard and fight for a result starting in Glasgow.”

HeereNVEEN – FC Utrecht goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas during the Dutch Eredivisie match between sc Heerenveen and FC Utrecht at the Abe Lenstra Stadium on October 29, 2022 in Heerenveen, Netherlands. Photo ANP Sport/ IMAGO

There will also be a return for former Celtic flop Vasilis Barkas who is FC Utrecht’s goalkeeper.

Conor Spence

And a quick reminder…

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