Celtic defender Cameron Carter-Vickers is fully focused on Wednesday's Champions League play-off first leg against LASK, not last season's painful exit at the same stage. The centre-back told the BBC that the squad is confident and has learned from the past, with new signings adding fresh energy.
What did Carter-Vickers say about last season's defeat?
Cameron Carter-Vickers dismissed the idea that last year's penalty shootout loss to Kairat Almaty is a psychological burden. "The reality of it is as a football player, you've got to get over the losses the same way you do the wins," he said. He pointed to the team's failure to score over two legs as the key lesson, an area they have actively addressed. His own campaign was cut short by an Achilles injury in October against Sturm Graz, but he is now fully fit and central to Celtic's plans.
The team's form provides a solid foundation. According to our standings, Celtic sit top of the Scottish Premiership with maximum points from their opening three matches. They have also progressed in the League Cup, building what Carter-Vickers called "a bit of momentum from the last couple of results." This domestic consistency is crucial as European intensity rises.
How have new signings changed the team?
Carter-Vickers highlighted the immediate impact of forwards Kasper Hogh and Camilio Duran. He said their proven Champions League goal-scoring pedigree gives Celtic an edge they lacked last season. "Two of the players have really hit the ground running, so that's definitely a positive," the defender noted. Their integration has boosted the whole group's energy.
This attacking reinforcement is timely. The club's squad page shows Hogh wearing the number 9 shirt and Duran number 11, signalling their intended roles. Their arrival directly tackles the creative struggles Carter-Vickers identified from the Kairat tie. LASK, however, are also in strong form, winning their first three Austrian Bundesliga games.
What kind of challenge does LASK present?
Carter-Vickers expects a physically demanding and organised opponent. "I think it'll be a difficult game, they're champions of Austria," he stated. After reviewing footage, he described LASK as a physical side with good quality. The Austrian champions' own perfect start sets up a finely balanced tie with significant consequences for the group stage.
Celtic's preparation has been aided by a clean bill of health among key players. Our injuries list shows no major absentees, allowing for a full-strength selection. The first leg at Celtic Park is a major opportunity to establish an advantage before next week's return in Linz.
What is the importance of this play-off?
Progressing to the Champions League group stage remains a primary seasonal objective for Celtic. The financial and prestige rewards are substantial. Falling at this hurdle for a second consecutive year would be a major setback. Carter-Vickers acknowledged the stakes, saying the team is "aware this game does come with massive consequences."
The club's recent stats underline a solid defensive base, conceding just once in the league so far. Combining that resilience with the new firepower up front is the blueprint for success. A positive result on Wednesday would put Celtic in a commanding position to reach the lucrative group phase. The team's next fixture after this European double-header is a Premiership match against Hearts on September 13th.
