SCOTT BROWN today insisted Celtic will have to be smart if they are to cope with the Baku heat and overcome Qarabag FK here tonight.

The Champions League third-round, second-leg qualifier will be played in searing hot temperatures and on a pitch that is less than perfect in the Azerbaijan capital.

The weather may actually be a bigger problem than the dodgy surface, and Brown believes his team have to adapt rather than play their normal game.

Brown said: "I remember playing for Scotland in Macedonia. That was nice and cool. I think it was 42 degrees at 2pm.

“It will be different tonight, and at least the sun’s not going to be beating on my face and turning it a nice lobster colour.

“Everyone knows the pitch is not going to be the best – but we’ve just got to try and make the best of whatever the conditions are.

"It will be a tough situation, but we can come through it, we’re definitely good enough to adapt and get Celtic through to the next stage of the qualifiers.

"I think we’ll need to deal with the heat in the first five, 10 minutes, see how our heart and lungs are and whether your body is able to cope with it.

“Different people react in their own way. It’s hard for everyone, individually. But for us to defend and attack as a team we’ll maybe have to think carefully of whatever opportunities we get, sitting back or going forward.

“We’ll also need to try and control the game, keep it at the tempo that suits us – especially in this climate. We’re going to have to be smart.”

Brown admitted Celtic need to qualify for the group stages of the Champions League because even a season without such games is too long a wait.

The midfielder is determined to lead his side back in the group stages because it means so much to everyone connected to the club.

Brown said: "You always get nervous when it comes to Champions League games because the club has not been there for a season-and-a-half now – and it's where we should be.

"The fans want us to be there and we’re a big enough club that we should be in it.

“We’ve reached the last 16 of the Champions League, so that shows you when we get into the competition proper that we can compete.

"It’s just getting into it that can be very difficult, especially with starting the qualifiers really early. But it can also help you get the season off to a flyer.

“Of course we don’t want another disappointing Champions League qualifying campaign. But, listen, the Europa League turned out to be very good for us.

"It wasn’t the Champions League, but it’s still a good competition and we had some big games – especially against Inter Milan. We showed we can compete against them.”

Brown also acknowledged that his manager Ronny Deila will find it easier to build a strong squad if Celtic are in amongst the big boys.

The skipper said: "It’s what brings people into the club. Obviously you have a better chance with the Champions League, but being in Europe is important.

"As soon as people come to Celtic Park and experience those European nights, well they know it’s special right away.

“It puts a shiver down your spine, 60,000 Celtic fans singing and shouting for 90 minutes. It’s exceptional.”