CELTIC’S got their UEFA Champions League qualification campaign off to a strong start with a 3-1 win away in Sarajevo last week, and the Scottish champions will look to secure their place in the next round in the second leg at Paradise tomorrow night (Wednesday).

With a potential three more rounds to negotiate in order to secure a place in the group stages of the competition, Neil Lennon’s side have a long road ahead of them. However, as Nir Bitton told the Celtic View, there’s plenty of experience within the Hoops squad for the challenges ahead.

“The players who have played in the Champions League for Celtic never forget that experience and they always want to be part of it,” said Bitton. “These games are good preparation and important games to take part in to get an idea of what is expected.

“Celtic is a massive club and there’s always big expectations and a lot of pressure with that so you have to perform. The Champions League is the biggest stage in world football and it’ll be good for every single one of us if we can come through it this year.

“We have a good core and with guys who have been here for years,” he said. “It’s always good to have new additions to the squad. Every player brings their own ability and skills and the team is stronger for that.

"Naturally it takes time to get everyone to fully gel together, but that’s the positive of these games. We have the opportunity to play together and for them to get to know us and how we like to play.”

Read the full and exclusive interview with Nir Bitton ONLY in this week’s Celtic View. On sale from Wednesday, July 17.

To download a digital version of the magazine, click on the banner below.

Nir Bitton: We can use our experience to make Euro progress