Rod Stewart has admitted the ongoing tension between sections of the Celtic support and the club is “negative” ahead of Thursday night’s Europa League clash with Celta Vigo.

The lifelong Celtic fan was speaking on talkSPORT before a huge European night at Parkhead, with Martin O’Neill’s side needing a result after defeats to Ferencvaros and Benfica in their opening two league phase matches.

Celtic will go into the game without the Green Brigade in their usual section, with the group continuing its boycott of home Europa League and Scottish Cup fixtures.

Check the full Celtic fixture list for every date and kick-off.

That has already been addressed by Shaun Maloney this week, with the Celtic assistant admitting the atmosphere makes a “huge” difference to the players and staff.

Stewart was also asked about the situation and made clear he hopes the tension around the club does not impact the team.

He said: “Yeah, it’s so negative. I hope it doesn’t rebound onto the players as they come out the tunnel.”

That is the concern before kick-off.

Celtic Park has carried the team through plenty of European nights over the years, and O’Neill’s side could do with every bit of help from the stands against Celta.

At the same time, Stewart did not dismiss the frustration coming from supporters.

He added: “But I think maybe they’ve got a point, the supporters. Our transfers have been sloppy sometimes.

“But then the other side of it, look how many trophies we’ve won.”

That is probably where many Celtic supporters are with the debate.

There is frustration over recent transfer windows, especially after another summer where key areas of the squad were left open to criticism.

The club are still short of the ball-winning midfielder they tried to add, CeltsAreHere understands centre-back depth is now being looked at for January, and the early European results have only increased the debate around recruitment.

But there is also the wider context of domestic success, which Stewart pointed towards.

Celtic have no points from two Europa League games, and Thursday night already feels like one they cannot afford to let drift.

The issue between the club and sections of the support will not be fixed before kick-off, but Stewart did not duck it. He felt the fans “maybe have a point”, while also making clear the players still need backing once the game starts.