Van Dijk: Celtic will prove their European credentials in Azerbaijan

03.08.2015 14:00

The Hoops jet out to Azerbaijan on Aug. 2 ahead of the second leg of their third qualifying round showdown.

Celtic hold a 1-0 lead from Parkhead but defender Van Dijk is confident of finishing the job on Wednesday.

He said: "We are very close and we have a very good squad with a lot of quality. Hopefully we can secure a Champions League place as Celtic need to be there.

"I have seen Qarabag’s results from last year and we will need to be ready. It will be a tough match.

"They have a big stadium that will be full and we need to show everyone where we belong as a club – and that is the Champions League.”

Celtic will fly more than 3,300 miles to Azerbaijan capital Baku for the second leg but Van Dijk believes the experience of a long-haul qualifier in 2013 will help them prepare for this clash.

He said: "We played in Kazakhstan two years ago, so it’s not too far away.

"The Karagandy game was only my second for Celtic and I expect a big game again.

"It’s going to be a bit harder but we experienced it then and most of the boys know what to expect.

"We need to prepare well and get good rest, eat well and get fit for the game.”

Celtic failed to reach the Champions League group stage last season, but Van Dijk believes that experience coupled with playing in the Europa League, will reduce the chances of them slipping up this time.

The Dutchman said: "In the league, we play with more risk and have our full-backs going forward.

"We want to play attractive football for the fans.

"In Europe we need to play differently as there are other things going to be asked for from the back four and the midfielders in front of us.

"At the beginning of last season, we didn’t do it too well but now we talk a lot about it.

"Hopefully we can show that on Wednesday as well.

"Last year was a big learning curve for me, especially in Europe.

"I had some good days and some bad days, particularly after the Inter game.

"That was a tough couple of weeks but I have learned from it.

"I know I just need to be calm, not get stressed and be confident in what I can do.

"If things go wrong, you need to remain calm, believe in yourself and, with the help of the players, it will go well.

"It has only made me stronger and I feel I am ready for anything.”

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