CELTIC midfielder Ki Sung-Yueng is hoping that big nights in the Champions League can fill the void left by the Old Firm derbies after Rangers were reborn in the Third Division.
Neil Lennon's side will be looking to get their European campaign off to a flyer when they host Finnish champions HJK Helsinki in the third qualifying round at Celtic Park tomorrow night.
Celtic last qualified for the group stage in 2008 and Ki, who is currently competing in the Olympics for South Korea, is desperate to experience the atmosphere their fans can produce.
He said: "We definitely want to be in the Cham-pions League this year – it's been four years since we had a good run in it.
"The Champions League is the best tournament in the world and I want to experience some great nights at Celtic Park.
"We're all going to miss the Old Firm games this season – there's always a great atmos-phere and it's great to play in games involving Rangers and Celtic.
"I can't express what it feels like playing in them and they will be a big miss but we're looking forward to playing in Europe."
Ki realises expectation levels have been raised with Rangers' absence for the next few years, but he insists his team-mates won't let the pressure affect them.
He said: "We have a skillful squad and as well as playing in the Cham-pions League, we want to win the league, the Scottish Cup and the League Cup.
"Obviously Rangers not being in the league helps our chances, but I still go into next season with a lot of expectations."
Ki is really enjoying his Olympic experience so far with South Korea on the brink of a place in the quarter-finals.
"It's a great experience for everyone because this doesn't come around often in your career," he said.
"We want to go as far in the competition as we possibly can so that we can compete for medals."
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