Stuart Armstrong accepts it is a “tough ask” for Celtic to reach the Champions League group stages, but he feels their clash with Inter Milan in February will help spur them on.
The Hoops failed miserably in their quest to battle it out against European football’s elite 12 months ago as both Legia Warsaw and Maribor defeated them in the qualifiers to reach the group stages.
Ronny Deila’s side now have another three opponents to get past to reach that lucrative stage again this summer – starting against Icelandic champions Stjarnan next month.
Armstrong was still a Dundee United player last summer when Celtic embarked on their European mission, but the January signing did play and score on his Celtic Park debut against Italian giants Inter in a 3-3 Europa League round of 32 first leg draw in February.
The Glasgow giants lost the second leg 1-0 at the San Siro, but Armstrong claims the experience of facing top opponents has left him hungry for more.
The 23-year-old said: “I really enjoyed that game. I’d played in a couple of big games before, maybe not as big as that one, but perhaps I focused too much on the occasion rather than the football game itself.”
Armstrong added: “You grow up watching Champions League games and those are the games you want to play in. We had a little taster of European football last season and personally I want to taste more.
“I think playing at that level will improve any player. It’s a great opportunity to experience different countries, stadiums and atmospheres.
“That’s the ultimate goal but it’s a tough ask for any club to reach that stage.”
Celtic are currently priced 1.03 to win the Scottish Premiership next season.
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