Tuesday 26 August 2014 19:15, UK
Charlie Mulgrew insists Celtic still have work to do against Maribor before they can think about competing against Europe’s top teams in the Champions League.
The Scottish champions are expected to reach the group stages of the Champions League for a third successive season after bringing back a 1-1 draw from last week’s first leg in Slovenia.
But Mulgrew is urging the Hoops to remain cautious as he believes Maribor are capable of ruining their hopes of qualification at Parkhead.
"This would be the third time in a row that we would have got to the Champions League but we are not getting ahead of ourselves,” said the full-back, who will deputise for the injured Scott Brown as skipper.
"There is still a lot to do but if we do get there it would be brilliant. At the start of pre-season, that is always the aim.
"But we know the job we have to do, we know how difficult it is.
"They are a good side. We have seen that in the second half over there, they pass the ball well and they have some dangerous players so we will need to be aware.
"But everyone at the club wants to be involved in the Champions League and we will be doing everything we can to get there."
Earlier in the campaign, Celtic played two home qualifiers at Murrayfield as Celtic Park was used as a venue for the Commonwealth Games, but Mulgrew is glad to be back in the east end of Glasgow for a European night.
He said: "That is our home pitch. That's where were want to be.
"The fans get behind us there in their numbers and it generates a good atmosphere so everyone is delighted to be back."
