Celtic midfielder Stuart Armstrong has talked up manager Ronny Deila’s input as the Bhoys gear up for their Champions League third qualifying round first leg against Azerbaijan giants Qarabag tomorrow.
Armstrong is looking forward to a “tough” first leg of the tie which is at Celtic Park tomorrow night, but says the Bhoys have done their homework on their Azerbaijani opponents, having been full briefed by Deila.
In a press conference at Celtic's Lennoxtown base, Armstrong said: "These games are tough and it will be a challenge, but one we are looking forward to.
"The manager has made a few notes on what we need to do.
“As a team they're very good, it's not a case of isolating one part of their team."
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He has pointed to the preparations the players are going through ahead of the clash, as he feels the unfamiliarity with their opponents means Celtic will need to be at their best to compete strongly.
"We have watched a few things and prepared right.
"[It’s] always a tough ask playing teams from different leagues with different styles of play and we will need to be at our best.
"They move the ball well, keep the ball well and like to dominate possession like us, so something we will need to watch for”, added Armstrong.
The 23-year-old is hopeful of making a good start and securing a win in tomorrow’s first leg, which would mean taking one step closer to qualification into the group stages.
"We have the game tomorrow at Celtic Park. We are looking forward to the game and hopefully we can make a good start."
The Bhoys will be hoping to make it through to the group stages of the Champions League for the 2015/16 season, having failed to do so last season.
Should they see Qarabag off in the third qualifying round, Celtic will be part of the draw for the playoff round on the 7th of August, their final hurdle before qualifying for the group stage.
