It should be straightforward in Astana this afternoon but even with a 5-0 first leg lead nothing can quite be taken for granted when it comes to Champions League qualification.
You have to go back almost ten months for Celtic’s last defeat but even under Brendan Rodgers there was a very sobering 7-0 defeat away to Barcelona.
Astana and Barcelona have got next to nothing in common but after preparing for the Champions League qualifiers it seems strange that it is mission accomplished without the horrible tension and fear of recent seasons involving Maribor, Malmo and Hapoel Beer Sheva.
Brendan Rodgers is the most thorough manager ever to have been involved in Scottish football but even the Irishman will be struggling to come up with a scenario like the one he faces today.
Since that night in Gibraltar every side that he has put on the park has been perfectly briefed and known what to expect from their opponents and what is expected of each Celtic player.
Striding into Thursday’s Champions League draw with a six match unbeaten run without losing a goal won’t make any difference to the seedings but it will lay down a marker that the current Celtic side is a different proposition to those that have been there in the past.
With the feel-good factor sky high these players can deliver another strong winning performance as the momentum builds towards Thursday’s draw- and beyond.
JOZO SIMUNOVIC
Quietly the former Croatia Zagreb man has imposed himself on the side as the first line of defence.
Domestically he isn’t challenged too often but against Rosenborg he showed his value especially when Nir Bitton was pushed in as a central defender.
Rodgers was patient with him last season as he nursed him back to fitness recognising the defensive and leadership qualities that he adds to the team.
OLIVIER NTCHAM
He has made a big impression in a month at the club and can take that up a notch in today’s match.
Although there is little at stake every European match provides a test and another opportunity to demonstrate his influence on the team.
The former Manchester City midfielder looks capable of playing any midfield role with the added weapon of delivering the type of pass that makes the difference in Champions League matches.
SCOTT SINCLAIR
Demonstrated last week against Astana that he can score goals when it matters most.
Moussa Dembele took most of the attention last season in the Champions League but the former Aston Villa man wasn’t far behind until he was injured at home against Barcelona.
With a year back under the guidance of Brendan Rodgers and team-mates who understand his role Sinclair can use today’s match to warm up for taking his game onto the group stages.