DEDRYK BOYATA last night insisted troubled Fenerbahce will prove to be the toughest opposition Celtic have faced this season.

The defender dismissed talk of a crisis at the Turkish club and while unfancied Molde beat them at home in their last game, the Belgian still believes tomorrow's opponents are the strongest team in Group A.

A win for Celtic in this second round of Europa League fixtures would put them four points clear of Fenerbahce, a club which does not have its troubles to seek.

And yet for all their very real problems, Boyata is ready for the biggest challenge of the campaign so far.

The Belgian star said: "You never know what can happen in European games, but before you play the games, on paper you can say which team you think is strongest.

"And I think on paper Fenerbahce are the strongest team in the group.

“But you never know what happens out on the pitch. It’s a team game. We all want to play well and come off the pitch having done our jobs well."

Key playmaker Stuart Armstrong is set to be named in Ronny Deila's squad for the first time in almost five weeks having been out since the disappointment in Malmo with a back injury.

The midfielder, who was in superb form before injury struck, has trained with the first-team this week and his return to fitness will be warmly welcomed by the Parkhead manager.

The former Dundee United man was one of Celtic's best players at the start of the season before a succession of problems saw him sidelined.

Carlton Cole is also back in Glasgow, a sign that a deal could be forthcoming for the former West Ham United player.

The Englishman and his representatives have held talks with Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell and the veteran striker's reappearance north of the border certainly suggests that something is close to being agreed.

Boyata said: "He (Cole) is really good player. I have played against him before. He can hold up the ball, strong, quick and can finish."

Deila is set to play Tyler Blackett at left-back against Fenerbahce in the absence of the injured Charlie Mulgrew and suspended Emilio Izaguirre.

Meanwhile, the Celtic Foundation revealed that almost £60,000 has been raised to assist those affected by the current refugee crisis in Europe.

Tony Hamilton, CEO the foundation, said: "I am incredibly humbled, although not surprised, by the response from the Celtic supporters.

"It just epitomises everything that is special about our club and every single person who played their part in achieving this magnificent total should feel very proud today.

“The funds raised will have a huge impact on the ground, exactly where it’s needed most.”

At every match in this week's Europa League, one Euro from the sale of each match ticket will also go towards helping those caught up in the crisis.