QARABAG have suffered a blow ahead of tomorrow's Champions League third-round, first-leg clash with Celtic after key midfielder Afran Ismayilov was ruled out through red tape.

The Parkhead club are wary of the Azerbaijani outfit and manager Ronny Deila has warned his men they will need to be at their best to clinch a place in the play-off round.

But they won't have to face Qarabag new signing, Azerbaijan international playmaker Ismayilov, who revealed he won't be travelling to Scotland.

He explained: "Unfortunately, I did not have enough time to apply for my visa for the game in Scotland. So I won't be playing in the first leg, but hope to make an impact in the second leg.

"But I believe the team can do well without me. In recent years, we have played and beaten some famous teams.

"Obviously, Celtic are a good team who have a big name in European football.

"And everyone knows it will be a hard game for us, especially in Scotland.

"But I believe this team is capable of great things and we can qualify."

And his views were shared by Qarabag's Brazilian midfielder Richard Almeida.

Almeida has been at the club for three years and is convinced they have the players capable of stunning Celtic.

He said: "Our opponent likes to play good football. We have watched them.

"But so do we. This will be two interesting games with teams of similar styles and ability.

"However, I think it will be Qarabag who goes through to the next round of the Champions League."