AJ: Hoops can be ace in high-stakes game

ALISTAIR JOHNSTON insists he has full confidence Celtic can unlock the riches of the Champions League.

- Ryan McDonald

The Hoops right-back is desperate for another crack at the big time and is counting down the days to the high-stakes showdown with either FC Kairat Almaty or Slovan Bratislava.

Johnston has relished testing himself against Europe's elite over the last two seasons.

And after taking Bayern Munich all the way in the knockouts, the Canada international believes Brendan Rodgers' side can reach a new level - if they safely navigate the £40million play-offs.

He said: "It's going to be a test.

There's no doubt about that. I do feel that we have the squad in there that can get that done.

"There's probably plenty of talk about the outgoings. But at the same time, I look at us bringing in some really talented players.

"We've also got a group that's played together for an extra year now and money can't buy that Champions League experience we picked up.