Charlie Mulgrew notes the ‘worst thing’ he is hearing about Celtic’s Champions League play-off draw

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Celtic and Brendan Rodgers now know their route to the main draw of the UEFA Champions League.

After weeks and months of build-up and anticipation, Celtic were drawn against either FC Kairat Almaty or ŠK Slovan Bratislava in their play-off draw of the Champions League.

The champions of Scotland will face the winner of either side, and get through that, then Celtic will compete against the elite next season and also have huge money to spend.

FC Kairat Almaty, who are a team in Kazakhstan, are new to Celtic, but ŠK Slovan Bratislava are very familiar after facing the Hoops last season, although Charlie Mulgrew had a warning for all.

• READ MORE: UEFA confirm kick-off times for Celtic’s Champions League play-off tie

Celtic drawn against FC Kairat Almaty or ŠK Slovan Bratislava for Champions League play-off

As you can understand, the Celtic Park faithful are upbeat about this draw, and they think the Hoops should go through and book their golden ticket.

When Mulgrew was hearing this optimism on Go Radio, he quickly shut it down and stated ‘the worst thing to expect’ is that Celtic are ‘already through.’

“I think the worst thing you can do is expect to already be through and start getting complacent,” said Mulgrew.

“I think these two teams. They will be difficult. But you would imagine Celtic should probably get through, but you can’t take your eye off the ball.”

Where Celtic don’t need to strengthen for Champions League

It has been well-documented during the 2025 summer transfer window that Celtic probably haven’t signed the players the fans or the manager want.

That’s why Rodgers has been vocal about transfers, and the type of road Celtic are going down, especially with his contract in the final 12 months.

But Mulgrew thinks there is one area across the pitch that simply doesn’t need strengthening.

“Signings have to be brought in,” added Mulgrew.

“Definitely, you have to get players through the door. Everybody knows that. Brendan Rodgers knows it. I just don’t know how much money Celtic are willing to spend. Only time will tell.

“Forward players are needed quickly. I think the midfield area, they are fine. I think they look alright in there. They are pretty strong. But forward players in the final third that make that difference that get you the results.”