Neymar Tipped to Hurt Celtic in Lionel Messi's Absence Says Cesc Fabregas

Neymar will fire Barcelona to Champions League victory against Celtic in Lionel Messi’s absence, according to Cesc Fabregas—as reported by John Greechan of the Daily Mail.   

Fabregas was full of praise for his new teammate:

"

Neymar can make the difference. Celtic are very strong defensively but he can handle the pressure, unlike many players of his age.

I think he’s a star in the making. He’s already a star but what I mean by star in the making is that this boy will have a lot to say in the future of football.

He’s still a boy. I think, in the future, we will be talking of him as one of the greatest.

"

Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino is expected to call upon the Brazilian striker after Messi was injured at the weekend against Almeria. The 2011 Champions League victors are currently top of Group H after one game, with Celtic second bottom after their opening-game defeat to AC Milan.

It is time for Neymar to show Europe just how talented he is. He lit up the Confederations Cup in the summer with Brazil, firing in four goals, including a crashing left-foot strike against Spain in the final. Now he must excel on the highest club stage and show Barcelona can perform equally well without Messi.

He’s only played a part-time role in his side’s season so far, scoring just twice in a handful of appearances, and was overlooked by Martino in the weekend win over Almeria.

His performances in Brazil with Santos rightly earned him a reputation as the world’s most promising youngster. He played with a freedom, throwing in all sorts of tricks to beat opponents en route to scoring spectacular goals.

But during his fleeting appearances for Barcelona he has looked slightly more rigid, obviously keen to help the team rather than shine individually. At times he has burst down the left, the crowd baying him to shoot, but has passed inside instead of trying to score himself. To that effect he has proved valuable with four assists since making the summer switch.

Against Celtic he can break free of Messi’s shadow and show the world why the La Liga giants forked out £50 million for his signature.

Celtic pulled off a remarkable win against Barcelona in the Champions League last season, but they were helped by their opponents' profligacy—Barcelona scored just once in 25 shots.

Neymar has the opportunity and ability to push that statistic into the past by leading his side to victory at Celtic Park.