Celtic midfielder Gary Mackay-Steven says his side have to make sure there are no mistakes when they take on Icelandic side FC Stjarnan in the Champions League second qualifying round.
The Bhoys need to win three ties to make it through to the lucrative group stage of the competition and Mackay-Steven is well aware that the Scottish champions must reach that phase to make their mark.
He told the Glasgow Times: “It’s definitely going to be a big task, there are no easy games.
“They will be in the middle of their season as well. Stjarnan are going to be fit and we need to be at it from the first whistle of the first leg.
“It is going to be very difficult, but our aim throughout has been to reach the group stage of the competition.
“This is a big stage where we definitely want to get back into the Champions League. It won’t be easy, but we will prepare properly – we’ll be ready.”
Last season Celtic, 1.03 to be crowned Scottish champions again next season, were knocked out in the play-off round of the Champions League by Slovenian outfit Maribor before making it through the group stage of the Europa League.
They finished second in Group D behind Red Bull Salzburg and drew Italian giants Inter Milan in the round of 32.
There they were beaten narrowly 4-3 on aggregate by the Nerazzurri, who edged a 1-0 victory in the San Siro after a thrilling 3-3 draw in the first leg in Glasgow.
Leave a comment
Link Dafabet