In recent seasons the third qualifying round for the Champions League has been fairly routine for Celtic.
Qarabag and Elfsborg were beaten on 1-0 aggregates but leading upto those games there were no real worries or concerns, if the team was fit and ready they should be good enough.
Today’s opponents Astana are a different matter, draws with Atletico Madrid, Benfica and Galatasaray in last season’s Champions League group phase speak for themselves.
The added complication of a totally reshaped defence doesn’t auger well while the first season European records of previous Celtic managers is grim.
For Brendan Rodgers and Celtic there is so much at stake today. The new manager wants to make his mark while the club badly needs a return to the bright lights and revenue streams that only the Champions League can offer.
CLICK ON the gallery at the top of this article for the five things Celtic must achieve against Astana