Celtic loanee Albian Ajeti is looking to help fire his side, Sturm Graz, closer to a European knockout place with victory this evening.
The Austrian side are involved in Europa League action later on tonight as they take on Feyenoord in the penultimate game of the group stages.
Whilst it might have been a disappointing European campaign for Celtic, Ajeti and his new side are still in the hunt for a knockout place in the second-tier competition.
After four games, Sturm Graz sits on five points, achieving a victory against Midtjylland earlier in the campaign and two draws against Lazio in their double-header this month.
The group involving the 2nd placed Austrian Bundesliga side is still very tightly contested, with all four clubs sitting on five points, vying for a place in the knockout rounds.
And Ajeti is hoping to fire his side closer to securing one of the three knockout spots in either the Europa or Conference League with a victory against the Dutch side later this evening.
Speaking ahead of the game, the Swiss frontman is looking to use his previous experience, including several outings in Europe with Celtic, to help his teammates.
He said [Sturm Graz]: “We have big plans. I am one of the more experienced players in the squad. I try to give our young squad the confidence that they can win, including in Europe.
“I think that works well. There is a lot at stake. We know that we prepared well, and of course, we want to show a completely different face than in the first leg.”
Celtic duos’ involvement in European action opens up continental moves.
The striker has made a successful start to his career at Sturm Graz, scoring three goals, and in each of his ten outings for his club so far, he is yet to lose.
So, the on-loan Celtic man will be hoping that is a good omen as they aim for a knockout spot and involvement in either of the competitions e after Christmas.
Ajeti isn’t the only Celtic loan player involved in the competition this evening. Goalkeeper Conor Hazard is on the big stage, facing Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma side.
Although HJK Helsinki are already eliminated from the Europa League, victory against the Italian side would give the Finnish champions an outside shot at finishing 3rd in the group.
Therefore, there is still plenty to play for in the 90 minutes, as the Northern Ireland international looks to play his part in a shock this evening.
Both players’ involvement in the competition tonight can only be a good thing for their futures.
Whilst they are unlikely to have a future at Celtic, they are currently showcasing their abilities on one of the top stages in football, and clubs from across the continent might be watching.
So, we wish them both all the best of luck tonight as they look to end this season’s group stage campaign with a bang!
In other news, Previous Livi factor could see Celtic boss hand first start to Oliver Abildgaard.
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