CELTIC legend Stiliyan Petrov has told the club's supporters not to panic over the "blip" against Lincoln Red Imps - and predicted great European nights will soon return to Parkhead.

The Bulgarian's former team take on Lincoln Red Imps tomorrow night and a big crowd is expected despite the poor performance and result last week in Gibraltar.

Petrov, who won 10 trophies during his seven years at Celtic, was used to playing at a packed stadium for every home game during the club's runs in the Champions League and Uefa Cup.

Many fans stayed away last season, even during the bigger matches, but the arrival of Brendan Rodgers saw season ticket sales go through the roof and crowds of at least 50,000 are expected for this season.

And Petrov, who remains a hero to the supporters, was adamant Celtic are on the right road once again.

He said: "I think the result last week will be just a blip for Brendan Rodgers and the squad. It’s important to keep things in perspective.

"If the defeat last week had been by a few goals then there would be serious cause for concern, but that’s not the case.

“There will be a determination from Brendan and the players to put on a good performance and win the game by a few goals at Celtic Park.

“The Celtic supporters will have a role to play. I was fortunate enough to play for Celtic for seven years and the feeling of playing in front of a packed Parkhead was always a highlight.

"The Celtic supporters generate an incredible atmosphere and it will be such an advantage this season to have that back again.

“I’m sure they will help the team qualify for the Champions League. The supporters haven’t had this tournament for the past two years and they are desperate to bring it back to their club.

"The journey starts this week and they want to see it develop all the way through to December for the finals matches in the group stages."

Petrov starred in many great European victories for Celtic including wins over Juventus, Barcelona and Stuttgart where he scored a famous goal.

The support have missed such occasions and this former player hopes the current squad will soon have such great memories of their own.

Petrov said: "I’m sure Brendan and the new signings will be blown away by the support generated by the Celtic supporters. It’s thrilling.

"For example, the night we beat Juventus 4-3 in 2001 was a particular highlight. The atmosphere was unbelievable. It definitely brings the best out in players.

“More recently, Celtic beat Barcelona 2-1 when Neil Lennon was the manager and, again, that was just incredible.

“With Brendan as manager, I’ve a feeling the magical European nights are on their way back."

The 37-year-old former Celtic midfielder – who played for Aston Villa in pre-season as he continues his bid to play top flight football again after beating leukaemia - was cheered by the appointment of Rodgers, a man he has admired for many years.

Petrov said: "I think his appointment is a huge statement from the club. He is a top class manager and I’ve followed his career since he was at Swansea and then Liverpool.

"During my career at Aston Villa I played against his teams and the brand of football was always slick, entertaining and impressive.

"He is also an extremely good person and we had a few conversations during the years. I wish him the very best of luck at Celtic.”