Sviatchenko warns Celtic to be wary of free-scoring Franculinopublished at 12:16 GMT
Caleb Akpo-Young
BBC Sport Scotland
Image source, SNSFormer Celtic defender Erik Sviatchenko has warned Midtjylland are "scoring for fun" this season and highlighted Guinea-Bissau striker Franculino as the main danger.
Midtjylland top the Europa League standings with three wins from three and Sviatcheko - who has had two spells with the Danish club - says they will provide a formidable test for Martin O'Neill's side.
"Franculino is the main striker, he's banged in 13 goals in 13 league appearances this season," the 34-year-old centre-back told BBC Scotland.
"He's the one they're talking about that could be the £30m, £40m man that can go out the Danish Super League. It's never been done before, but they had some offers from Bayern Munich and they really hope that can be that guy.
"But all in general, new coach Mike Tullberg came in and has sparked a little bit more of intensity and fluidity in their attacking play.
"So its going to be very interesting to see the Celtic defence going up against these very, very hot strikers and offensive players."
Asked if he is fearful for of Celtic's chances, Sviatchenko, who now plays for MLS side Houston Dynamo, believes the Old Firm derby in last weekend's League Cup semi-final will give O'Neill's men confidence.
"I think I feared it more if they didn't have that Rangers game before this match," he said.
"I think it'll be a very close game. Two teams that want the ball, but Midtjylland is also direct sometimes.
"If Celtic wants to have success, maybe they'll try the same, go a bit more direct, get the chances created and maybe get an early goal and see what Midtjylland then needs to be doing."
Sviatchenko helped Midtjylland beat Celtic when the sides last met, with the Danes progressing 3-2 on aggregate in the second round of Champions League qualifying which marked Ange Postecoglou's first games in charge in summer 2021.
"It was a big experience for me personally, coming back to Celtic Park and getting a really good result," Sviatchenko said.
"It was just amazing to see all the Celtic fans seeing me play at their stadium, but in a different jersey being captain."






















