Celtic hero Charlie Nicholas has fired a word of warning to his former side and rivals Rangers ahead of their Europa League last-32 clashes this Thursday evening.

The ex-striker is adamant both Scottish sides have decent opportunities to progress but has urged the two Glasgow outfits to be wary of their opponents.

Celts make the trip to Denmark to play Copenhagen while Rangers host Braga at Ibrox in the first-leg. And while Nicholas has told both to be on their guards, he reckons it will be a positive outcome for both sides by the end of the evening.

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On Celtic's away trip, Nicholas told Sky Sports: "Because Celtic are going so well domestically, they must focus and prepare correctly for this clash. They did not play well but got the win at Aberdeen, and this is a remarkable team for getting themselves out of holes. Copenhagen have lost three in a row, and there are a few players struggling with injury.

"I expect Celtic to go through over two legs and they are favourites. Celtic have improved in Europe, taking the scalps of Lazio twice was a big turning point for them. There is still vulnerability away from home in Europe, so it is how they manage that which will be the key." Nicholas predicted a 1-1 draw in Denmark.

Meanwhile, on Gers' exploits the former Arsenal hitman said: "Rangers have been disappointing to say the least since returning from the winter break. They got over the line against Livingston, but the big thing that is giving Steven Gerrard issues is the pitch. The storm means the grass will be a struggle to play on, so it will be an in-your-face traditional aggressive style of play that will be thrown at the Portuguese. Braga will handle this well, but these sides are always suspect when travelling away from home. They are tidy but you can rough them up.

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"Alfredo Morelos has been quiet since coming back, not only in terms of goals but in relation to incidents and cards too. These are the types of games which Morelos will thrive in. They beat Porto and have beaten better teams than this, so I expect them to go and win this. It will be a tense affair but a powerful and aggressive performance will ensure Rangers pick up the win."

A 2-1 victory for Rangers is Nicholas' expectation.