Oliver Burke admits it was ‘very difficult’ playing up front against Valencia as Celtic prepare for return leg

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West Bromwich Albion loanee Oliver Burke will be hoping to make an impact for Celtic against Valencia on Thursday.

Celtic ace Oliver Burke has brutally admitted that he found it ‘very difficult’ playing up front on his own during his side’s 2-0 defeat to Valencia last Thursday and it was ‘pretty sad’ how the game turned out.

However, the West Brom loanee urged his side to ‘have a go’ at the La Liga outfit when they travel to Spain for the return leg on Thursday.

In the first match, the 21-year-old, who is a natural winger, was deployed in a forward role by manager Brendan Rodgers, but the youngster failed to have an impact.

Burke opened up about that game and playing that leading role for his side as he sent a passionate message to his teammates about proving their worth when both teams meet again.

“I learned a lot playing against those kinds of players,” said Burke, as quoted by HearldScotland. “They were obviously very big lads and they showed how good they can be.

“It was very difficult up there on my own but I think it’s about me waiting for my opportunity when the boys get on the ball. I have to be in the right positions and create the right runs as much as I can.

“They were the better side the other night but we need to pick heads up and have a go at them in the second leg- It was pretty sad how it turned out and I was pretty down afterwards. It’s about picking yourselves up to go again.”

In the Scottish Premiership, rather than being used out wide by Rodgers, Burke has played up front and enjoyed some success, scoring three goals in four starts, according to transfermarkt.

But playing the forward role on the domestic scene is a completely different kettle of fish to doing it on the European stage where every touch is scrutinised.

Nonetheless, every player on the day will have to produce the goods if the Bhoys are to overturn this two-goal deficit and if they do then it will be one of Rodgers best results since joining the Glasgow club.

The Northern Irishman will be hoping his players and supporters can take momentum to Spain from their last-minute winner against Kilmarnock in the league on Sunday.