Manager looks ahead to tough test against LASK

Manager looks ahead to tough test against LASK

Celtic take on Austrian side, LASK, tomorrow night (Wednesday) in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League play-off tie.

The Hoops will be aiming to get a good result to take to Austria for the second leg next week, but Martin O’Neill knows that his side face a tough test against LASK who, like Celtic, have started their domestic season well, winning their opening four games.

The Celtic manager is pleased with his side’s results so far, with a 4-0 win over Dundee United at Tannadice last weekend the latest sign of Celtic’s attacking threat.

However, he knows that the Austrian champions will pose their own threat over the next two fixtures.

Speaking at Lennoxtown today, he said: “These matches are difficult for us. I've had a strong look at the team that we're playing against.

“They're really good players. They're very fast and they're very strong, they're athletic and they are big. So, we have our work cut out over the two games.

'Confidence is a major part of the game. It's something that if you start to win football matches, it gives you great confidence.'

“We're just trying to look forward to the games, trying to get a result in the matches and try and get through.

“I didn't think that last September or October that I'd be sitting here thinking about a Champions League game, and if I was, it would be certainly watching it on TV.

"The format has changed, which I think helps clubs in similar situations to Celtic, for instance. And, of course, it's a brilliant competition. It's really exciting.

“It is the Champions League, and you could get nothing else but excited about it.”

Watch the manager's full UCL pre-match press conferenceMore on the game:

• Keep up with all of the action on the Official Celtic Match Centre
• Countdown to kick-off: Cameron Carter-Vickers interview Read more
• Countdown to kick-off: The lowdown on LASK: Read more
• Countdown to kick-off: LASK in Europe: Read more
• Training Gallery: Celtic v LASK - Click here

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Celtic Vs. LASK - Wed, Aug 8th 2026, 19:00 Match Information | Buy Tickets | Buy Hospitality