Celtic’s u-19 side face the Puskas Academy tonight at Livingston (kick off 7pm) hoping to overcome a 1-0 defeat from the first leg in Hungary three weeks ago.
The winners of the tie will go forward to the last 16 of the UEFA Youth League where they will be drawn against one of the runners-up from the group phase of the tournament.
Tommy McIntyre’s side lost out to a late goal in the first leg after cruising past HJK Helsinki on a 6-1 aggregate in the first round.
With their national side qualifying for Euro 2016 Hungarian football is on a high with McIntyre knowing that his side will need to be at their best to progress in the competition.
“The Puskas Academy are a high quality side with some first team experience so we know how difficult this match will be,” the former Hibs defender said.
“The manner of the defeat in the first leg was disappointing. They probably created more chances but a draw would have been a fair reflection of the game.
“We’ll need to ask more questions of them, see how they adapt to the travel and cope with playing in a different type of environment.
“It’ll be a good challenge for our players, it’s important to be tested at this level. The format mirrors what they can expect to face if they progress through to first team level.
“It’s an important match for everyone, there’ll be a good crowd at the game and we’re looking to show that we deserve to go through to the next stage.”
Since the defeat in Hungary Celtic have only had one match, a resounding 3-0 win away to Hamilton Accies in the u-20 SFA Youth Cup.
Three goals in the first 15 minutes killed off the home side with Celtic turning in a stylish performance in monsoon conditions on the artificial turf.
Aidan Nesbitt, Jack Breslin and Mark Hill were away on international duty last week with McIntyre looking for his side to produce the goods to see off the Hungarian challenge.
“This match is a showcase for our Academy and a tournament that we want to make an impression on,” he added.
“We’ve got a lot of players with international experience, those matches help their development and we’re looking for a big performance to progress.
“With all respect the Puskas Academy are a step up in standard from HJK Helsinki. We’re confident in the ability of our own players and this match is an opportunity for them to show what they are capable of.”
Tonight’s match kick’s off at 7pm, if you can’t make it along follow it on TWITTER.