Beram Kayal is desperate to take Celtic into the Champions League.
The midfielder started his first competitive game of the season in Saturday’s narrow win over Aberdeen and is likely to be a key figure in Helsinki.
Celtic take a 2-1 lead to the Finnish capital with a major doubt over the fitness of captain Scott Brown.
A fully match fit Kayal would be a massive influence against HJK with the midfielder in no doubt about the importance of progressing through to the Champions League group stages.
“We have great players and talent but we need to go step by step for the Champions League and win games,” Kayal stated. “Especially the one in Helsinki.
“Everything is possible in football and after two years together as a squad with the manager we are building something good.
“We need to continue that with success in Europe. I’ve played in the Champions League with Maccabi Haifa and it’s a great feeling.
“Playing for Celtic is the best feeling I’ve had in football but the Champions League is something different.
“I’m waiting to hear the music for the Champions League at Celtic Park and I’m hoping we can do it. We just think positive and believe we are going to get through.”
As well as attempting to regain match fitness Kayal is observing the muslim festival of Ramadan which involves fasting during daylight hours.
“I am fasting on the days when I don’t train or play,” the midfielder revealed. “It’s not easy in Scotland because the days are long but it was great to get the season started.
“I am so happy we won and also because it is my first competitive match for a long time. There is a big difference between those and friendly games.
“In the first half I felt good although I had some bad luck when one of their players kicked me after just five minutes. After that I had a bit of pain but now I feel great.
“I just need to work hard at every training session and game because it’s not easy to come back after being out for a long time. I know I need to work hard every day and do my best.
“We know we are playing for a very big club and it is not easy when every week we have pressure from the fans. Every team also wants to beat us. But we all do our best to win every game.”
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With the way things are going: poor form, injuries, suspensions, everything that’s at stake, and the pressure that’s being heaped on the players, I’d settle for 0-0, right now.