IT WILL be win or bust for Celtic when they enter next season's Champions League qualifiers.

Failure to clear the first hurdle – the second qualifying round – would mean no more Europe for the season for the SPL champions-elect.

There is no safety net of a drop down to the Europa League for teams who lose at this stage.

And, after going all the way to the last 16 this time around, Neil Lennon and his players would be devastated if next season's European journey did not last beyond July. Midfield star Kris Commons knows that this season's efforts and praise will count for nothing when they get back on the Euro trail.

And, with an extra qualifying round to negotiate, due to Scotland's falling co-efficient ranking, the need to hit the ground running is clear.

Commons said: "To reach the last 16 with this inexperienced squad was over-achieving, in the public's eye.

"Hopefully, we can stick together and try to do a similar sort of thing next year."

Commons had never sampled Champions League football until Celtic qualified for this season's Group Stage by defeating HJK Helsinki then Helsingborgs.

But, having tasted it, he is hungry for more and is ready and willing to try and meet the challenge laid down by Lennon.

"The manager has always spoken about the fact you always strive for that little bit extra," Commons told Celtic TV.

"Next year will be a big year for us, and we want to maintain that and give our supporters something to watch again."

It's anticipated that there will be changes to the squad before the Hoops return to the European stage.

But Rami Gershon hopes he will be given the chance to join Commons and Co. in taking on the best the Continent has to offer.

The Israeli defender was recruited on a loan deal from Standard Liege in January, but his lack of match fitness meant he was not registered for the last-16 games against Juventus.

Celtic hold an option to buy him outright in the summer, but Gershon knows he has to convince Lennon he is worth a permanent move.

He started against Ross County at the weekend, but struggled to find his best form.

But the man who completed three years' National Service with the Israeli army wants to be given the chance to make his home debut against Aberdeen this weekend.

He said: "I've spoken to the manager about this and, of course, I realise there are others who can play in my position and I must be patient.

"Every time I don't play I don't go running to the coach. I try to impress by hard work and by passion, and I hope to play as often as possible."

Victor Wanyama is suspended for this weekend, and Adam Matthews – left out of the Welsh squad for next week's World Cup qualifier against Scotland – is still recovering from a hamstring pull.

But Mikael Lustig, Georgios Samaras and Emilio Izaguirre could all come back into contention after recovering from injury."