Former Parkhead star Craig Burley has claimed the Hoops are out of their depth in the Champions League – but the Kenyan begs to differ and has his eye firmly on a place in the knock-out stages.

The star was happy the Hoops avoided defeat in their opening Goup G game against Benfica.

But his ambition is to qualify for the last 16 – and he knows that will take victories.

He said: "All the clubs who qualify for the Champions League are always big teams and always good teams.

"So, we are ready for any team, and we are looking just to get better results. I was happy after the Benfica game because I think we were the better side.

"We can only improve, and we are looking forward to doing that and winning more points in the Champions League.

"The more you play, the more you learn, and, in that particular game, I think I learned a couple of important things.

"The speed of the Champions League is different. It is always high, and I have learned to cope with that."

Another important lesson Wanyama has learned from playing in Europe this season is that players have to be careful not to fall foul of referees.

He got two yellow cards in the qualifying match against Helsinki in Finland, and this ruled him out of first leg of the knock-out round against Helsingborgs.

The slate was wiped clean for the group stage, but Wanyama picked up a booking in the match against Benfica, and knows that two more would see him suspended again.

"I got a booking against Benfica and I just have to be aware about trying to avoid getting any more yellow cards because I want to play in all the games and enjoy them," he said.

"I was sent off in Helsinki and it was frustrating to miss the qualifying game against Helsingborgs.

"Missing important games like that one is not good for any player. So, I have learned from that and want to move on.

"There are a lot of games at the start of the season including internationals, which means there is a lot of travelling as well as playing.

"But, for me it is no problem."