New Celtic signing Nadir Ciftci has admitted that it would be a dream come true to help the Hoops reach the Champions League group stages.
The 23-year old moved to Parkhead from Dundee United for £1.5million and made his first competitive start during the Bhoys’ 2-0 home victory over Icelandic side Stjarnan in the first leg of their Champions League second qualifying round tie.
The Glasgow giants travel to Reykjavík for the return match on Wednesday and the Turkish forward is confident they have what it takes to dispose of their defensively-disciplined opponents.
He said: “We’re looking forward to the second leg. With our quality, I will always be confident in this team going anywhere. It’s not easy if they park the bus in front of defence like that and you have to break them down.”
Last week’s first leg was the former Portsmouth striker’s first taste of European action as a player at Celtic Park, but he admitted that he experienced the unique atmosphere as a spectator when he first moved to Scotland.
He continued: “I have been here for a big European night. I know what it means for the fans. I only dream about things like that. I was here with my agent for that game against Milan when Mario Balotelli scored. I know how big those nights are for Celtic. I loved it.”
The former Turkish youth international is hopeful of helping his new team reach the group stage of Europe’s premier club competition for the first time since the 2013-14 campaign, following last season’s disappointing exit at the hands of Maribor during the final qualifying round.
The Hoops are outsiders to win the competition this season at 1001.00 with reigning champions Barcelona the 4.00 favourites to secure their sixth European crown.
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