JOZO SIMUNOVIC has been left out of Celtic's starting lineup for the Champions League play-off second leg against Astana in Kazakhstan. 

The Croatian has not been named in the matchday squad, which will be played on an artificial pitch at the Astana Arena at 4.30pm.

Youngster Kristoffer Ajer and makeshift centre-back Nir Bitton form the a partnership at the back, with Derdyck Boyata and Erik Sviatchenko currently carrying injuries.

Read more: Astana v Celtic: When is it, what channel is it on and what is the team news?

Stuart Armstrong and Tom Rogic have to settle for a place on the bench as Brendan Rodgers opts for a midfield of Scott Brown, Olivier Ntcham and Callum McGregor.

Meanwhile, Leigh Griffiths and Scott Sinclair start after being rested for Saturday's win over Kilmarnock.

The Hoops won last week's first leg 5-0 at Parkhead and will book a return to the group stages with a win this afternoon.