Celtic goalkeeper Craig Gordon has stressed the importance of being defensively smart against FK Qarabag next week.
The Scottish champions registered a narrow 1-0 win in the first leg of their Champions League qualifier against the Azerbaijani side this week at home.
Ronny Deila’s side are expected to be cautious while approaching the second leg as they are aware that while they are ahead in the tie, their advantage is narrow.
Gordon admits keeping a clean sheet at home was crucial, but stressed that they are aware of the challenges they might face against a technically sound Qarabag side.
"We kept a clean sheet which was important. I’m sure we will go over there and look to score an away goal”, Gordon said at a press conference this afternoon.
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"We are playing against a good team and they showed their qualities in parts of the game. Technically they are very good on the ball and they kept possession very well."
The Scottish international also feels that they need to maintain their defensive shape and try to play a smart game to extract a result in their favour away from home.
While remaining defensively smart, Gordon also stressed the importance of getting an away goal against Qarabag to help their cause.
“We will need to play a smart game, defensively, to come through this one.
"We have a very slender advantage and have to approach the tie looking to score a goal.
“We look to do that regardless of who we're playing."
Celtic are looking to make it through to the group stage of the Champions League for the first time since the 2013/14 campaign.
They stumbled in the playoff round against NK Maribor last season.
