Celtic v FC Utrecht – 'I have nothing to prove to anyone,' Vasilis Barkas

Originally posted on The Celtic Star | By Conor Spence | Last updated Jan 29, 2026 5:30 AM ET

FC Utrecht goalkeeper and former Celtic flop Vasilis Barkas says he feels no added pressure ahead of his return to Glasgow for tonight’s Europa League clash against Celtic…

The Greek international, who previously had a rough spell with the Scottish champions, insists the occasion is simply another important fixture for himself rather than a personal test.

Barkas struggled to establish himself as a regular during his time at Celtic under Neil Lennon, where opportunities were limited and consistency proved elusive.

Despite that chapter of his career being one that he doesn’t look back fondly on, the 30-year-old maintains he harbours no regrets and is focused solely on helping his current club progress.

FC Utrecht will be aiming to derail Celtic’s hopes of reaching the knockout playoff phase, with Barkas expected to start in net for the Dutch side.

Although he featured 24 times for the Hoops, the goalkeeper is no stranger to Celtic Park, having previously appeared there for AEK Athens in a Champions League third qualifying round tie that ended in a 1-1 draw and ultimately saw the Greek side advance to the playoffs.

Speaking ahead of this evening’s game, Barkas said via Daily Record: “No regrets, no, because you always learn a lesson. Of course, I came in a difficult period here.

“It was a fast choice, I can say, and yeah, from Greece to come here, different weather and… but I think the biggest problem was the COVID period, I never came together with my teammates, and to be honest, I never met the country 100 per cent, so yeah, I don’t regret it, of course. My son was born here,” Barkas said.

He added: “It was poor, but I think it wasn’t only me who wasn’t at a high level. I have nothing to prove to anyone. I’m here to help my team. I don’t care about what the others think about me, you know? So yeah, I’m here to help my team.”

“When I played for Celtic, it was COVID, it was an empty stadium. But I played once again with a Greek club, so yeah, there is an amazing atmosphere, it’s 60,000, right? Yeah, and the atmosphere is really nice, so it will be nice to play for everyone. I think it’s quite unique, the atmosphere.”

Conor Spence

And a quick reminder…

It’s the last few days of the Half Price January sale at Celtic Star Books. Every book ordered is now just £10 and p&p is only charged on the first book at £4.50. So ordering three books will cost a total of £34.50 and given you a £30 saving. Order at celticstarbooks.com/shop

All Books Now Half Price in the Celtic Star Books January Sale…

Please note that p&p is priced at £4.50 is only charged on ONE book so you can buy as many of our books as you like and the postage cost will remain the same. Why not expand your Celtic library today?

This article first appeared on The Celtic Star and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: