FORMER Celtic midfielder Joe Ledley admits his old side are going through a 'difficult period' at the moment with the club's quest for 10-in-a-row hanging in the balance and looking increasingly unlikely.

But the Welshman thinks that having to play behind-closed-doors games at Parkhead has been hugely damaging to the Premiership champions' season - as it means Neil Lennon and his players haven't been able to make the most of the 'unbelievable' atmosphere generated by fans.

Speaking on Soccer AM, Ledley - who spent four years in Glasgow, playing a part in three title successes - revealed that the noise from the stands can be so deafening at times that even when the Celtic players do their usual pre-match huddle, it can be difficult to make out what their team-mates are saying.

Glasgow Times:

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Ledley said: "It’s a difficult season for them, I think, without the fans being there.

"Especially at Celtic Park, the atmosphere is unbelievable, and that hasn’t helped the players.

"I don’t know what’s going on. It’s a difficult period.

"Don’t get me wrong, they’ve won nearly all the trophies they can in the last four years, so you can’t complain.

"But those fans wanted to do Ten-in-a-Row and that was the big thing."

After being pressed on what it was like playing in front of a packed-out Parkhead, Ledley continued: "It is by far the best atmosphere - it’s probably up there with the best in the world.

Glasgow Times:

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"I remember when we were doing the huddle, Scott Brown was about two feet away.

"I’m looking at him and his face is bright red, his veins are popping out.

“You can’t hear a word he’s saying, it’s so loud.”