Dinamo Zagreb star expresses home dressing room confidence ahead of Celtic Champions League clash

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The Champions League picture for Celtic could become a lot clearer if they claim three points against Dinamo Zagreb this evening in Croatia.

Brendan Rodgers knows a victory would catapult his side into the playoff places and certify that European knockout football is present at Parkhead beyond the league phase.

However, Dinamo Zagreb have picked up seven Champions League points and are expected to provide a stiff test despite their erratic domestic form under Nenad Bjelica.

The hosts drew with Slaven Belupo at the weekend and have a raft of injuries to deal with heading into the tie, with the likes of Bruno Petkovic and Petar Sucic unavailable.

Nevertheless, Marko Pjaca has opened up on the tie and what his side expect to come up against when taking to the field later at home to the reigning Scottish Premiership champions.

Marko Pjaca on facing Celtic in the Champions League

Speaking ahead of facing Celtic, Pjaca looked back on scoring a hat-trick against the Bhoys back in 2014 in a 4-3 Europa League encounter and laid out his optimism ahead of tonight’s encounter.

He stated: “That was maybe the most beautiful match in the whole of my career. I hope I don’t have to score three goals tomorrow – but I would be really, really happy if we won.

“I believe in myself although I didn’t get another hat-trick in the whole of my career.But there are always the matches that open up for you, that you get a little bit lucky and you score three goals.

“So I believe in myself, I believe in my team and definitely it would be even better than 10 years ago.

“Those points would get us much closer to the play-off and that would be really important for us in this part of the season.”

Celtic know history is at stake against Dinamo Zagreb

Three points would see Celtic into the knockout round, capping a historic campaign where they have managed to elevate their standing in Europe to a level or two beyond previous years.

Despite the positivity, Dinamo Zagreb cannot be underestimated. Yes, they may have struggled to replicate their usual imperious domestic form this term, but they are a distinguished outfit who have a reputation on the continent.

Now, the challenge for Celtic is to prove their credentials once more in front of a sizeable travelling support. If they do, a state of euphoria awaits come full-time.