Sebastian Tounekti has warned LASK that Celtic are ready to put their Champions League demons to bed. The Hoops have set their sights on securing a £40million ticket back into the big time after last season's qualifying calamity against Kairat Almaty.
Tounekti confident in squad's firepower
Tounekti reckons free-scoring Celts have enough firepower to clear the final hurdle against the Austrian champs - with Kasper Hogh and Camilo Duran leading a new-look frontline. He said: "Yeah. I think we are on the right path, but I think we have to keep on going, keep on improving because it's not going to be easy."
"But I feel like we have a strong squad. Quality players are in the door now. I think the squad is really strong."
Learning from last season's exit
Tounekti wasn't in the building when Brendan Rodgers' flops shockingly crashed out to Kazakh minnows Kairat this time last season. But with veteran boss Martin O'Neill now at the helm, he insists the ruthless Double-winners are confident of avoiding another Euro disaster after rattling 10 goals in their opening three domestic games.
He said: "I wasn't here, unfortunately, last year. I know the boys are really hungry to play in the Champions League. Now I also feel like the flow is good at the moment. We just have to keep going and improving. I'm confident that we will do well."
Anticipation for Parkhead night
"It's a big game on Wednesday and we have to be ready. It's something I've been looking forward to for a long time. When I came to Celtic, it was one of the things I was looking to play for."
"I feel like Celtic should be in a competition like this. I think all of the players are looking on to that. It's going to be a huge night."
The famous Champions League anthem will ring out at Parkhead on Wednesday night and Tounekti hopes the music will be a taste of what's to come. He added: "Of course, as a kid, when you see those games, it's a big dream to be able to do that. I saw some clips in the stadium at Celtic Park. It's electric. I'm really looking on to that one."
