Leigh Griffiths has admitted that there will be expectations on Celtic going into this season’s Champions League group stage.
Much will depend on the draw which takes place late this afternoon but after losing to Lincoln Red Imps 13 months ago qualification came as an unlikely bonus.
With the benefit of a treble win and a season of coaching from Brendan Rodgers most Celtic fans have got their eye on finishing in third place and tumbling into the Europa League.
With the exception of the home leg against Rosenborg Celtic were in charge of all of their qualifiers which has raised the ambitions of everyone throughout the club.
“This season we go into the Champions League with more expectations than before,” Griffiths told The Sun.
“We saw off Rosenborg when people doubted us after the first leg, and then we saw off Astana.
“Given the time difference and the travel it was hard, but we blew them away in Glasgow and completed the job there.
“We will always land a big gun, but it doesn’t bother me who we get.
“We didn’t do ourselves justice in the opening game last season in Barcelona, but now we are a year further down the line.
“We recovered well last year and now we’re a stronger unit.
“The gaffer has made a massive difference. He’s brought quality to Celtic, and there is a calmness with people on the ball who can all see a pass.”
Celtic will be in Pot 4 for this afternoon’s draw and will almost certainly face opposition from Spain or England who have nine clubs in the draw.
With just two domestic games to go before the first Champions League match Griffiths looks certain to lead the line since Moussa Dembele is still recovering from a hamstring injury picked up against Linfield on July 14.
