Erik Sviatchenko is confident Celtic can overcome their recent qualification troubles and return to the main stage of the Champions League next season after a two-year absence.

The Bhoys have been dominant in the Scottish Premiership, having won the title for the four consecutive year last season and 46th in their history, and they are in prime position to extend that record this term.

Ronny Deila’s men are six points clear at the top of the table and they have suffered just three defeats in the league in this campaign, scoring a massive 69 goals in the process.

However, the club has not been able to reproduce the domestic success on the European stage and the inability to qualify for the group stages of the Champions League has piled the pressure on the manager.

Celtic have had to settle for a place in the Europa League but the displays in this competition have done little to inspire confidence, with the team failing to get out of the group this term.

Sviatchenko, who joined the club in January, is feeling optimistic about returning to Europe’s elite tournament and the Denmark international has called for the team to pull together.

“We have to be positive. The fact something happened in the Champions League in the past does not mean it will happen again,” he said. “Of course we will be ready for Europe and do our best when it comes. But there is no point worrying about what happens in the future.”

Celtic are back in action on Friday when they travel to Hamilton Academical and the visitors are 1.22 favourites for the win, a draw is priced at 6.00 while the hosts are big outsiders at 12.00.