COCKY Kazakhs Astana claimed last night that they will be in the draw for the Champions League group stage despite not yet kicking a ball against Celtic.

On the eve of their play-off first league with the Premiership holders, head coach Stanimir Stoilov sent out a defiant message that his players will make waves across the continent and be in the draw for Europe’s premier competition next Thursday.

Just over a year on from faltering in Glasgow in the previous round, the team from the Kazakhstan capital will walk out in the familiar surroundings of Celtic Park daring to dream of making history. It is mission that clearly doesn’t daunt Stoilov, who was in bullish form during their pre-match press conference at the stadium last night. Given they haven’t lost a home game in Europe, it’s perhaps clear to see why.

He said: “It doesn’t matter how the first game ends. We are still going to be in the Champions League.

“I believe there is no need to motivate my players additionally.

“We know that Celtic is a big team historically and that is our motivation. Another is that the Champions League is in front of us and this is enough for the players to produce a good game.

“I think the team which plays better are going to get through to the group stages. We know that Mr Rodgers has had some time to grow and develop his team but we still feel we can get through and succeed.

“It’s very difficult to explain really how much this means for Kazakh football.

“Astana are the only Kazakh team in the past five years to get into the Champions League. That was fantastic. It would be a fantastic achievement if that were to happen again.”

Two years have gone by since they were last in the group stage, a 3-2 aggregate defeat killing off any chance of a return last year. It was a testing tie for Brendan Rodgers’ men who sneaked through at the death courtesy of a Moussa Dembele penalty in the 92nd minute.

Fitness, or perhaps the lack of, for Celtic was perhaps a bit of a leveller last August. However, Stoilov was quick to shoot down his Celtic counterpart’s claim none of his own team are 100 per cent fit ahead of a meeting with an Astana team well into their season.

“In my opinion Celtic are already 100 per cent fit. They have played six official games and two friendly matches,” he said.

“That's enough for a football player to get into good shape.

“Of course there will be a little benefit for us that our championship has already started but our whole team is under pressure.

“We think we have 14 players available but Celtic has 25 to 30 players, so it's hard to say it's a big benefit to us.”

Stoilov was joined by goalkeeper Nenad Eric, who, despite the heartache here a year ago, was relishing the prospect of a Parkhead return.

“We have a very nice atmosphere in the team right now. We are preparing in a normal way and at a normal speed,” said the 35-year-old. “Celtic are a great team with great supporters. We hope it’s going to be an interesting game and we will try to show our maximum, our best game and good discipline. Hopefully it will be a fantastic performance.

“Playing outside of home will be easier for us I think. Even if we lose or draw we will be able to catch up and go through to the next round.

“Of course it’s a pity we lost our previous game here although it will be very nice to play here. It’s such a great stadium with fantastic supporters.

“I hope it’s going to be a very nice game and we’re going to win it.”