Former Hoops legend Lubomir Moravcik has told Celtic that they need to be brave as they go into next week’s penultimate UEFA Champions League game against Barcelona.

Brendan Rodgers’ side lost 7-0 in the Nou Camp on their opening game in Group C against the Catalans and Moravcik has told them to brace themselves for what has the potential to be another tough night.

However, he has urged Celtic to be bold on the ball and brave against the Catalans as the Parkhead side look to engineer what would be a fabled result against the La Liga side.

Read more: Lubo Moravcik applauds Celtic's domestic dominance

“For me, they are the best team in the world,” said Moravcik. “It is not easy as a player to go into a game like that.

“There are two things you need: bravery and a game plan.

“Sometimes, the game plan will not last because the team you are against can be so tough and so good. But you have to be brave. You must have courage.

“It is not easy, especially because the players lost so heavily in Barcelona. They know how hard it will be but you cannot have any fear.”

Moravcik was in attendance at Celtic Park when Neil Lennon’s side beat Barcelona 2-1 back in 2012. He is not holding his breath in anticipation of the same result but he has pointed to the spirit in the team that got what was a shock result.

Read more: Lubo Moravcik applauds Celtic's domestic dominance

“Celtic Park can create such a great atmosphere,” he said. “If the team can get the ball and do something to keep that energy going then it does help. But trust me, it is not easy.

“Barcelona will have so much of the ball. Lionel Messi is the best player in the world – but then there is also Neymar too who is extraordinary.

“Celtic will go out looking to contain Barcelona, take a chance on the counter-attack and restrict the space that they get – but that takes so much effort. You have to be prepared to run into the ground – and know that everyone else is doing the same.”

Moravcik once negated the influence of Pavel Nedved as Celtic beat Juventus 4-3 in Glasgow.

It was a career highlight for the Slovakian, who believes that if Celtic are to stun Barcelona next week that they need players willing to take on responsibility.

“That game against Juventus was special for me because I knew that it probably would be the last time I played in the Champions League,” he said. “I was a big fan of Nedved’s and it was special to play against him.

Read more: Lubo Moravcik applauds Celtic's domestic dominance

“It is the same for these Celtic players – it might not feel like fun when you are chasing shadows and trying to get the ball but it is a pleasure to play football at this level and against the very best.

“If you can get on the ball then you need players who are not afraid to try and use it well. You need to be strong mentally and not allow yourself to think about the players you are playing against.”

Meanwhile, reports continue to link former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard with Celtic. However, such a move seems unlikely given the salary levels of the player who seems certain to leave the MLS this January.