Roy Aitken knows all about big European nights as a Celtic legend, and as the Hoops prepare to face Aston Villa in tonight’s final league phase UCL Champions League encounter, and with strong ties to both clubs, Aitken reflected on what promises to be a special occasion in European football. “It’s great. A great night for both clubs.” Aitken told Celtic TV. “I had a few years here at Villa back in 2003 until 2006 as an assistant coach with David O’Leary. It’s amazing actually that it’s the first time they’ve played in a competitive match. “Two big clubs, and for all the years, they’ve never really been involved with each other. It’s going to be a fantastic game. They’ve got a great crowd at Villa, and a big support, and we obviously have one of the best supports in the world. The travelling support is always the best, so it’ll be a great atmosphere tonight, I’m sure.”Aitken’s time at Aston Villa remains a fond chapter in his coaching career, during which he helped develop some of the club’s brightest talents. “I was at Leeds United with Dave (O’Leary), then he left for a year and asked me to come along as assistant manager.” Aitken said. “It was 2003 when we came initially, and we finished sixth in our first season, so it was a very good season we had. “The biggest thing was bringing through some of the quality young players. Steven Davis, who ended up at Rangers, came through as a debutant, Gabby Agbonlahor, Liam Ridgewell, and Gary Cahill all came through. They all went on to have big careers at other clubs as well. “At that time, Villa had a very good youth system. Looking back, one of the biggest achievements was giving those boys their chance and bringing them into the first team.” Aston Villa’s strong home record in Europe this season presents a tough challenge for the Celts, but Aitken knows the Hoops are no strangers to difficult tasks on the big stage. “I think the home record in the competition has proven to be vital,” he said. “We’ve had a great home record with terrific results at Celtic Park. Over the years, it’s always been the case, anyone coming to Celtic Park is going to have a tough game. “We know equally tonight, coming to Villa, it’s going to be a tough match. They need a result as well, they’re just sitting outside the top eight. But what an achievement for us to get into that top 24 this season. ‘What a great job Brendan and the players have done to get through this stage.’ “Our group still had very tough games. We’ve been terrific right through the competition. Only losing one out of the seven games is a fantastic situation. The home games are vital, but there’s no underestimating the tough task tonight as Villa are a very good side.” Watch the full interview with Roy Aitken now on Celtic TV CELTIC TVFixturesAston Villa Vs. Celtic – Wed, Jan 29th 2025, 20:00
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