DIEGO Laxalt is looking forward to his second game as a Celtic player, though it will be a strange experience for the Uruguayan internationalist, given that he will be more familiar with the opposition than with his own team-mates.

The 27-year-old joined Celtic on a season-long loan from AC Milan, and the Italian giants are the visitors to Paradise this Thursday night on matchday one of the UEFA Europa League group-stage campaign.

Laxalt has been with Milan for the past two years, but will now face his former team-mates, looking to help his new team-mates get their Europa League adventure off to a winning start.

And regardless of any friendships he may have with the Milan players, when he steps out on to the pitch wearing the green and white Hoops, his only focus is on doing everything he can for Celtic.

Speaking at Lennoxtown ahead of the game, the Uruguayan said: “Tomorrow night will be a difficult game but we’ve prepared well. We’re looking to have a very precise game, play well and get the result that we’re hoping for.

“I’m hoping to get a bit of continuity here. I want to get back to my best so that I can help the squad. That’s my number one objective. Obviously, from a personal point of view, I want to play as much as possible, but my main priority is always to help the squad as much as I can.

“I know Zlatan Ibrahimovic because I’ve spent lots of time with him, but with regards to Milan, everyone can see the games now globally, so everyone knows what they’re like. They’re having a great season so far, but every game is different and we’ll be looking to bounce back tomorrow.

“Every team has their weaknesses, but I don’t need to tell the staff here how AC Milan play and how they’re working. We’re well-prepared and our coaches have told us exactly how they want us to play.

“I’m preparing for this match the way I would do for any other game. When I’m on the pitch, I’ll be facing my squad mates that I only left a few weeks ago, but I’m looking to give my best for Celtic on the pitch.”

For Neil Lennon’s squad, the game against the current Serie A leaders is the perfect opportunity, albeit a tough one, to get back to winning ways after the derby disappointment last weekend.

That match saw Diego Laxalt make his Celtic debut, and while he did well in his first game, it did not make up for the defeat.

“The manager told us that we’ve got to have faith in our play and be aggressive in our style of play,” he said. “We need to stick together as a team as we’ve got a lot games coming up. We’re always looking forward and being positive and I really believe that this is a squad that can and knows how to win.

"It’s obviously feels bad, like any defeat does, but it’s worse because it was a derby. But we’ve got a great chance to play again tomorrow night and make things right. We’ve got lot of games coming up and I’m ready.

"We’ve got to have faith and believe in each other, we’re working well and we’re looking forward to a great battle against Milan.”

Diego Laxalt: I'll give my best to help Celtic against AC Milan