Kairat gold as Hoops close in on Balikwisha

ANTHONY RALSTON reckons Celtic belong in the Champions League and believes Brendan Rodgers' side will make history against Kairat Almaty in Kazakhstan tomorrow evening.

- Ryan McDonald

The Hoops - who are finalising a £4.5million deal for Royal Antwerp forward Michel-Ange Balikwisha, below-arrived in Almaty last night following a 10-hour flight from Glasgow.

After last week's goalless stalemate at Parkhead, Celtic must become the first Scots team to win on Kazakh soil or drop into the Europa League.

They'll be without crocked trio Alistair Johnston, Auston Trusty, and Jota for the huge £40m showdown, with Adam Idah also a major doubt.

But right-back Ralston, inset, is confident Celtic can get the job done and book their place in Thursday's draw for a record fourth season in succession.

He said: "It's where we belong as a team, as a squad. We made massive progress last season in Europe.