Try GOLD - Free
Kairat gold as Hoops close in on Balikwisha
Scottish Daily Express
|August 25, 2025
ANTHONY RALSTON reckons Celtic belong in the Champions League and believes Brendan Rodgers' side will make history against Kairat Almaty in Kazakhstan tomorrow evening.
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.
This story is from the August 25, 2025 edition of Scottish Daily Express.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM Scottish Daily Express
Scottish Daily Express
THE HERO OF BONDI BEACH
As at least 16 people die in a horrific terrorist attack on a Jewish festival, one brave bystander saves 'many lives'
3 mins
December 15, 2025
Scottish Daily Express
Doctor strike 'threatens lives' as flu cases spiral
MILITANT union chiefs must call off crippling strikes as the flu crisis engulfing the NHS is very serious, says Shabana Mahmood.
2 mins
December 15, 2025
Scottish Daily Express
BELIEVE IN BATTER
McCullum resists changes to top seven with Ashes on line
2 mins
December 15, 2025
Scottish Daily Express
Tess worried at lack of TV work after Strictly exit
STRICTLY Come Dancing host Tess Daly is struggling to find work after her pending exit from the hit BBC dancing competition.
1 min
December 15, 2025
Scottish Daily Express
That's for you Diogo
JORDAN HENDERSON paid tribute to Diogo Jota after his first goal since the death of his former Liverpool teammate.
1 min
December 15, 2025
Scottish Daily Express
THE SMELL BLOOD BROTHERS
Ruthless Jambos united as Kingsley dreams of glory
3 mins
December 15, 2025
Scottish Daily Express
Police raid home of terrorist
Gunman said to be Naveed Akram
1 min
December 15, 2025
Scottish Daily Express
Kane gets it spot-on again
HARRY KANE spared Bayern Munich's blushes with a late penalty to rescue a draw against basement club Mainz.
1 min
December 15, 2025
Scottish Daily Express
WE'LL RISE AFTER OUR GRAY DAY
DAVID GRAY expects Hibs’ Premier Sports Cup flop against Russell Martin's Rangers to help sharpen his players’ focus as they prepare to return to Ibrox in the Premiership tonight.
2 mins
December 15, 2025
Scottish Daily Express
Meghan warned it would be 'too dangerous' to fly to Philippines to see her father
Kidnap and terror risk to royal
2 mins
December 15, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size
