Celtic manager Ronny Deila has admitted that the pain of losing to Maribor in last season’s Champions League play-offs is driving him on ahead of Wednesday’s outing.

The Scottish champions lost 2-1 on aggregate over two legs to Slovenian outfit Maribor and subsequently spent the campaign the Europa League.

Celtic made it out of the group but were knocked out of Europe by Internazionale in the round of 32 after two exciting meetings.

Deila had only been in the job for just over a month when his side suffered the defeat to Maribor and he admits that he feels much better prepared this season.

The Bhoys will take on Icelandic side Stjarnan at Parkhead on Wednesday as they bid to take one step closer to the Champions League main draw.

The Norwegian conceded that there were things he may have done differently when he initially arrived but insists that the squad are now much clearer on his style of play.

Deila said: “Maybe I wish I’d done some things differently. But at that time, there were a lot of new things for me to deal with.

“And in any case, you can’t be something you’re not. I needed to do the things I believe in.

“I can say now, we’ll be continuing with the same things we did before.

“I hate the feeling I had in my body after Maribor.

“That is a feeling I fear and it drives me on. I hate losing – that’s in my blood.

“Everyone at this club is doing everything they can, every day, to prepare for these qualifying games.

“We believe we can do it but, if we don’t, it will be because we’re not good enough to be there. That’s how it is.”

Celtic can be backed at 1.04 to seal a first-leg home win against the Icelandic minnows, who are priced at 41.00 to cause an upset, while the draw is available at 13.00.