The pressure cranks up on Brendan Rodgers tomorrow night but after eight months out of the game the new Celtic boss will welcome the clash with Astana.
Celtic’s first leg defeat to Lincoln Red Imps instantly cast doubts over the squad that the new manager had inherited and deflated the expectations created by Rodgers’ appointment.
The reality of qualifying for the group phase of the Champions League was laid bare but after a 1-1 first leg draw in Astana qualifying doesn’t seem quite so daunting.
Astana have battled through the qualifying phase in each of the last two seasons but weren’t anything exceptional going by their first leg performance.
A sell-out crowd for a match not on the season ticket is a rarity and gives an indication to the level of expectation around the club for the Champions League.
Celtic Park hasn’t properly rocked since James Forrest’s last gasp winner against Shakhtar Karagandy. Tomorrow night over 90 minutes, or 120 minutes with penalty kicks Rodgers will expect his players to deliver before he attempts to strengthen his squad ahead of the play-off phase.
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CRAIG GORDON
‘All’ that is needed is a clean sheet and Celtic go through but European nights rarely go to plan.
Gordon blew hot and cold last week in Kazakhstan, producing one incredible acrobatic save shortly after failing to connect with the corner that gave Astana their goal.
As one of the most experienced players at the club his influence will be vital, connecting and communicating with the central defence will be vital to ensuring a successful night and progress into the play-off round.
SAIDY JANKO
Will have been disappointed to have been left aside for the first leg but has yet to really impress in a Celtic shirt.
The main call for Brendan Rodgers to make will be between Janko at right-back or Efe Ambrose in the centre- that decision will determine where Mikael Lustig plays.
A home third round qualifier against Astana should present the Swiss u-21 internationalist with the chance to launch his Celtic career and get a taste of success on a big European night.
MIKAEL LUSTIG
Was left behind from the friendly with Barcelona which would suggest his presence will be essential against Astana.
He produced a steady but unspectacular display last week in Kazakhstan, a repeat tomorrow night alongside Eoghan O’Connell will provide the clean sheet required for a nerve free evening.
With his overlapping days perhaps on the decline it could be moving inside to sweeper could be a wise move. His experience, especially alongside O’Connell will be crucial to success.
EOGHAN O’CONNELL
The young Irish defender now has to deal with a level of expectation after a storming eight days where he turned in three impressive displays.
Astana’s largely physical threat should suit his game perfectly, and give him the opportunity to bring the ball out at the back.
With Kolo Toure and Erik Sviachenko not far away from fitness O’Connell knows that he must maintain the high standards that he has set to hang onto the jersey that he currently holds.
KIERAN TIERNEY
After missing out on the friendly with Barcelona at the weekend the 18-year-old will be desperate to help Celtic towards the group stage of the Champions League.
At left-back or pushed forward into a wing-back role Rodgers will rely on 100% commitment and concentration from Tierney.
The big match atmosphere will suit him down to the ground- watch out for a flying start as he charges down the North Stand side of the ground looking for an early breakthrough.
PATRICK ROBERTS
Should be the perfect stage for the winger from Manchester City who had the measure of the Astana defence in the first leg.
At times Lincoln Red Imps seemed too easy for Roberts, with tension in the air and the tie in the balance Roberts will take centre stage to move a step closer to his Champions League dream.
Very quickly Roberts has become the key attacking weapon in Brendan Rodgers side, delivering on the big stage should take his game to a new level
SCOTT BROWN
The Celtic skipper hasn’t had to look far for his critics this season, with so many midfielders available more fans are questioning his role in the side.
With a wealth of experience he needs to impose himself positively on the match and his team-mates while harnessing the passion of the crowd onto Astana and the inexperienced referee.
A night for leadership is required with a focussed skipper inspiring his team into the final qualifying round.
CALLUM MCGREGOR
Made his mark in Europe two years ago and has quickly earned the trust of Brendan Rodgers despite being up against strong competition.
With Nir Bitton and Stefan Johansen likely to miss out McGregor has a great opportunity to cement his place in the team.
Last week’s tie in Kazakhstan wasn’t his finest but with his European scoring record and match awareness he’s likely to get the nod to drive Celtic to within 180 minute of the group stage.
TOM ROGIC
Looks to have did enough against Barcelona to edge his way into the side ahead of Stuart Armstrong.
The Australian seems to be gaining a reputation as an impact sub, something he’ll be keen to shake off and prove himself as a starter.
Like most of his team-mates playing in the Champions League group phase is crucial for his career, playing in front of a passionate Celtic Park he can provide the drive and goals to get past the Kazak champions.
LEIGH GRIFFITHS
Last season’s 40 goal striker hasn’t wasted any time in impressing the new management team- and showing Moussa Dembele the standards needed at Celtic.
He only got one chance last week in Astana but that was enough to turn the tie in Celtic’s direction.
Playing on the edge brings out the best in the former Hibs striker, with Igor Shitov mouthing away about a push last week Griffiths will be determined to give Astana plenty to whinge about by dumping them out the Champions League.
MOUSSA DEMBELE
No one will say it but a goal for the former Fulham striker would work wonders for his confidence- a goal against Astana would be priceless!
Like many strikers Dembele is trying to do too much to impress, taking on a player too many and trying passes that are too difficult.
If he takes a look at Griffiths goal last week he’ll realise how simple the game can be, an instinctive poachers goal counts as much as the most spectacular efforts.