The Hoops will face either FC Kairat Almaty or Slovan Bratislava in this month’s two-legged playoff
22:30, 05 Aug 2025Updated 23:03, 05 Aug 2025
Celtic are dreaming of Champions League qualification(Image: PA)
Alistair Johnston insists he has full confidence Celtic can unlock the riches of the Champions League.
The Hoops right-back is desperate for another crack at the big time and is counting down the days to the high-stakes showdown with either FC Kairat Almaty or Slovan Bratislava.
Johnston has relished testing himself against Europe’s elite over the last two seasons.
And after taking Bayern Munich all the way in the knockouts, the Canada international believes Brendan Rodgers’ side can reach a new level – if they safely navigate the £40million playoffs.
He said: “It’s going to be a test. There’s no doubt about that. I do feel that we have the squad in there that can get that done.
“There’s probably plenty of talk about the outgoings. But at the same time, I look at us bringing in some really talented players.
“We’ve also got a group that’s played together for an extra year now and money can’t buy that Champions League experience we picked up.
“We have played at Celtic Park together in these big moments, and we have an understanding of what it means to play at the highest level for this club.
“I think that we are in a better spot in terms of the Champions League mentality-wise. And you never know what’s going to happen at the end of the transfer window.
“However, this is a massive European qualifier this month and we know it won’t be easy.
“It’s going to really kind of kickstart the season and then, you hopefully get through and look at the draw.
“Then you have to see who you get and find a way to get enough points to secure knockout football.
“And then you probably hope you don’t draw Bayern Munich in the first round again – that would definitely help!
“But within our changing room, we feel we have the quality and the experience to take another step, both domestically and on the European front.”
Celtic star Alistair Johnston(Image: SNS Group)
Celtic would be guaranteed at least eight European nights in the revamped league phase format if they qualify.
Celts finished 21st in the 36-team table last season after banking 12 points – including three wins and three draws.
And Johnston admits that campaign has only whetted his appetite for more
He said: “It’s precisely that. You get the chance to play at the highest level in front of some of the best crowds in the biggest atmospheres.
“You’re playing against the best players and best teams. You realise you get a taste of that and you go, this is where you want to be.
“It’s the same with international football. When you get a chance to play at a World Cup, all you’re thinking about now is that next World Cup.
“You’re not thinking about the next friendly. No, you want to play at the World Cups. That’s what the Champions League is for club football.
“So for us to have played ten games in that competition last season, in some of the highest-level matches, was great
“Our fans would agree those are some of the best days in terms of the midweek nights and the electricity in the crowd.
“And how good some of the football is that you play and also how good the opposition is.
“There’s a level of respect there that brings out the best in both sides. You have to be at your best as a player if you want to survive at that level.
“We’re all competitors at heart and you want to see what is that highest level you can reach as a footballer.
“In those kinds of matches, that’s where you really can find that level. It’s a massive task to get into the Champions League for us, obviously, with this qualifier.
“But if we do get in, then is there a way that we can play more than 10 matches? That would be unbelievable as well.”
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