LUKE CAN'T WAIT FOR CHAMPS LEAGUE CRUNCH

LUKE MCCOWAN insists Celtic are raring to go for their £40million Champions League shootout.

- Ryan McDonald

The Hoops were handed a play-off against Kairat Almaty or Slovan Bratislava in yesterday's draw.

Celts dodged tricky ties against Swiss champions Basel and Austrian title winners Sturm Graz as they bid to dine at Europe's top table for a fourth year on the bounce.

Brendan Rodgers' side ended a 12-year wait to reach the knockouts last season.

And McCowan, left, reckons they're more than ready to mix it with the big boys again.

The midfielder - who spared Celtic's flag day blushes with a late winner against a dogged St Mirren - said: "It's brilliant. The qualifiers are what you want to do.