Celtic's failure to negotiate Champions League qualifying has now cursed them six times in succession. LASK of Austria join a list that comprises Kairat Almaty, Midtjylland, Ferencvaros, Cluj and AEK Athens. With the possible exception of the Greeks, all clubs Celtic should expect to beat.
The calamitous Champions League play-off defeat by Kairat Almaty a year ago isn't lingering at the back of Cameron Carter-Vickers' mind as Celtic enter the fray at the same stage this season. The defender's European experience last season was a difficult one - he ruptured an Achilles tendon against Sturm Graz in October and didn't play for the rest of the campaign. All water under the bridge as far as Carter-Vickers is concerned as he prepares for Wednesday night's first leg against LASK.
Auston Trusty is leaning into Celtic's "win at all costs" mentality as they try to right the wrongs of last season and navigate the Champions League play-offs. Celtic face Austrian champions LASK over two legs, having been beaten by Kazakh side Kairat Almaty at the same stage of qualifying last season. Supporters made their frustrations clear after that result, with Celtic eventually overcoming such unrest to win a league and cup double under Martin O'Neill.
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