Leigh Griffiths believes that Kolo Toure will know himself whether or not he is ready to be pitched straight into Celtic's crucial Champions League qualifier against FC Astana tomorrow night.

The Parkhead side are looking to book their place in the play-off stage of the qualifiers but have been hit with a catalogue of injury issues, particularly defensively. 

Jozo Simunovic and Dedryck Boyata are out, while Erik Sviatchenko is also struggling with a groin strain. 

In addition, there will be question marks over Efe Ambrose's involvement after another high profile mistake against Barcelona in the weekend's International Champions Cup friendly in Dublin, while Nir Bitton is also toiling after picking up an injury in the Aviva stadium. 

Toure missed that game as he worked on his fitness at Lennoxtown, but he could be thrown into tomorrow's game against the Kazakhstan side. 

"Kolo has played at the very top level and he knows what is required," said Griffiths.

"He will know in himself whether he feels as though he can come straight on and do the job.

"He is experienced. He has played in European cup finals and he will know his own body. I am sure that the manager will speak to him to see what he thinks."

"But whoever plays knows that we are all striving to get to the groups stages of the Champions League. It is a massive night for us and whoever comes in will give everything to help us get across that line. 

"All that matters tomorrow ngiht is making sure we get throught his tie and into the play-off stage. There are a few injuries but we have a big squad and everyone knows what they need to do to get us there."

Meanwhile, Griffiths had told the Hoops supporters not to put too much pressure on Moussa Dembele as the striker waits for his first goal at the club.

And the Leith striker believes that the 20-year-old needs to be allowed time to settle as he seeks to make his mark at Celtic. 

"I know from experience that it can take a while here," said Griffiths.

"You do feel under pressure when you need that goal. It'll be a massive relief for him when he gets it, I'm sure, but he just has to relax and allow his own game to come.

"Sometimes when you are under pressure you end up thinking too much about it. If you relax it just comes naturally."