Kristoffer Ajer is hoping to use the feeling of a raucous Celtic Park as an incentive to aid European progress. The Norwegian will be part of the Celtic side travelling out to Bosnia in the coming days ahead of that Champions League opener against FK Sarajevo.
The tie is the first of four Celtic will have to navigate if they are to make it back to the group stage of Europe’s premier club competition.
Strangely enough, Ajer has never actually appeared for Celtic during the Champions League group stage, but he’s hoping to put that right following disappointing last season.
He told the Daily Record: “We were disappointed last year to lose to AEK Athens. We always want to go through so this year it’s definitely one of our mains targets.
“If you get through, you are playing against the best teams in the world and for young and experienced players that’s a
great experience, especially at Celtic Park.
“You don’t get a more unbelievable atmosphere than those nights. It’s simply fantastic.”
Will Ajer get to taste famous Champions League atmosphere?
It’s difficult to gauge Celtic’s chances of Champions League qualification this summer. Last season, confidence was high although there was a feeling that the restructured ‘Champions path’ could give us some troubles.
It proved to be the case with Rosenborg tough opponents in the second of four hurdles, and AEK Athens a step too far in the third round.
This year looks a little easier on paper so far – although Celtic can’t afford to take anything for granted against FK Sarajevo. If we can do the business over the two legs against the Bosnians, we should have a similarly winnable tie in the following round.
From there on it’s a lottery with some notable opponents potentially lying in wait. The hope is that this new Celtic team will grow under Neil Lennon as the rounds go on – getting stronger with every passing match.
But Hoops fans shouldn’t lose the rag if we don’t make it this year. It’s a tough ask for Lennon and a relatively changed squad to navigate four rounds against other domestic champions. It’ll be a great achievement if we make it.
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