Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths has expressed his hope to see the Bhoys handed an easier task this year if they can reach the Champions League group stage.
The Hoops were placed in a difficult group last term where they had to compete against Barcelona, Manchester City and Borussia Monchengladbach in order to reach the round of 16 stage of the tournament.
In spite of showing sparks of brilliance the Scottish champions found the going too difficult and finished at the bottom of their section, crashing out.
However, as they prepare for the qualifiers this term, the 26-year-old insists that he and his team-mats are keeping their fingers crossed to have an easier draw this time around so that they are able to give it their best shot and go through to the next stage of the Champions League.
“There are no easy games in the Champions League, but you know the nature of the group last season – it was called the ‘Group of Death’ so hopefully if we get there this season, it will be a lot easier", the striker said at a press conference.
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“Qualifying is a defining moment in the season, especially for us as players.
"Our season is defined by getting to the Champions League and the gaffer came in and did it first time, so we want to progress even further into the group stages.”
Celtic will hope to reach the Champions League group stage for a second time under Brendan Rodgers when they line up in the qualifiers this summer.
