Luke McCowan Insists Celtic Aren’t Champions League “Tourists”

Celtic midfielder Luke McCowan has insisted the Bhoys aren’t ‘tourists’ in the Champions League as they prepare to kick off their European campaign tomorrow.

The Bhoys welcome Slovakian champions Slovan Bratislava to Glasgow’s east end on Wednesday evening. They aim to get their league phase campaign off to the perfect start.

After beginning the domestic season perfectly, the Bhoys are really looking to kick on in Europe now.

Continental success has evaded the Hoops over the past few years but the Champions League taking up a new format this campaign could play to their benefit.

Although Bratislava are no mugs, Brendan Rodgers couldn’t have picked a better opening fixture for his side.

With Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta away on matchdays two and three, picking up three points against the Slovakians is essential tomorrow.

While their Champions League opening day record is poor, McCowan insists his side aren’t in the comPetition to make up the numbers.

“We are not there as tourists,” he said (RecordSport).

“That’s the message. I’ve probably watched the comPetition for years now. Celtic always want to push as far into the Champions League as possible and show you’re a Champions League team.

“We are and I’m sure we’ve got a great chance to do that. I’m sure the boys will be aiming for that. Of course, we want to push on. You’ve got teams spending £100million in budgets and all that rubbish.

“But you’ve got to know that what’s in front of you, you want to try and beat them. Regardless of who you’re playing, regardless of what you want to say, we’re good enough to beat what is in front of you and that’ll be the message, I’m sure.”

Celtic will be aiming to carry their domestic form onto the European stage tomorrow evening.

The Scottish Premiership champions have been in fine form in both the league and league cup this campaign, winning six out of six, scoring 17 goals, and conceding just one.

Tomorrow night’s Game will provide a step up in level, but Rodgers’ men will back themselves to handle it with ease.