ANTHONY STOKES is a Celtic player who knows his history.

But the Parkhead striker says his European record will count for nothing as he attempts to shoot down Dinamo Zagreb tomorrow.

Stokes has hit just two goals in 24 games on the continent for Celtic, both of which came in the 3-1 victory over Rennes on Europa League duty almost three years ago.

But while the Republic of Ireland forward has not scored this term since the Hoops beat Dundee United 6-1 in August, he has belief in his own abilities to help the SPFL Premiership champions to a Europa League win against the Croats.

"I've scored in this competition before," said Stokes, who is likely to take the place of the ineligible John Guidetti in the host's attack.

"I know there is a massive deal made about it but I've said it myself, I look back on the games I played in the Champions League last year and I felt I played well.

"You don't get many chances in games like that. It's half-chances and you have to take them.

"It hasn't happened for me yet. But I won't get my head down about it. I'll keep working hard and see what happens."

He added: "I don't let it get to me. If I miss chances, it is part of being a striker.

"I've had droughts where I've gone nine, 10 games without scoring and if you let it get into your head you start to suffer from it.

"It's nothing to me - I'll go out and play my normal game."

Stokes knows he must keep striving to make an impact when given an opportunity to shine as competition for places in attack is fierce.

"I don't want to get too complacent," he said. "I have realised this year that I have to work very hard and keep my form up to stay in the team. We have a lot of competition for places, particularly in the striking department.

"It will depend on my form and I just need to keep working hard and try and help the team as much as possible.

"I've had to adapt slightly in the last two games when I have played on the left but I have been enjoying it as I don't mind playing out wide or through the middle. Once I get myself in the team, that's my main focus.

Group D leaders Dinamo battered Astra Giurgiu 5-1 in their opening tie, while Celtic recorded a creditable 2-2 away draw against top seeds Salzburg.

However, Stokes is content to concentrate on the Parkhead side's own game plan and not worry about the threat Zoran Mamic's men may pose.

He said: "We don't know too much about Dinamo yet. We've had a brief chat with the gaffer but we will be looking closely at them in the next 48 hours.

"We will watch a few clips, see how they play and will have a fair idea before the game.

"They had a good result against Astra but it will be a different game at Celtic Park with the atmosphere the fans will create.

"We will just worry about ourselves and focus on our own game."

That atmosphere at Parkhead is likely to be far different from the buzz which was generated by the visits of Barcelona and AC Milan last season in the Champions League.

It's understood the top tier of three of the four stands will be closed off tomorrow night, but Stokes has brushed off any talk that a smaller crowd will have a negative impact on Celtic's performance.

"I think that goes out the window when you're focused on the game," said the 26-year-old. "It's a European match at Celtic Park in front of our own fans, so we will be going out there to try and win the game.

"It will be no different to anything else and I'm sure the fans who will be there will generate a great atmosphere."