Celtic refuse to settle for three-goal cushion

Martin O'Neill has warned that Celtic will not attempt to simply defend their 3-0 lead when they face LASK in the second leg of their Champions League play-off at Raiffeisen Arena.

Celtic seized control of the tie in Glasgow, with Camilo Duran scoring twice and Benjamin Nygren also finding the net. The result puts the Scottish side in a commanding position as they chase a return to the Champions League league phase.

O'Neill said Celtic's approach would be proactive rather than cautious. “We just can't sit in there, and that's not our intention at all,” he told reporters. “I feel as if we're capable of scoring a goal in the game and that's at least grounds for optimism.”

The Celtic manager acknowledged that LASK remain a dangerous opponent and expects both teams to create chances in Austria. However, he believes his team’s current form and previous European experience can carry them through.

“I don't think that we want to be sitting in, and I think that we can play. I think we'll get opportunities. They will also get opportunities to attack and they are a formidable team.”

Celtic were eliminated at this stage last season by Kairat Almaty after a penalty shoot-out, despite dominating a goalless second leg. O'Neill is determined that his team will not repeat that failure, insisting they will “throw absolutely everything” at completing the job.

Trusty returns as Johnston faces lengthy absence

Auston Trusty is available after missing the first leg, strengthening Celtic's defensive options for the trip. Alistair Johnston, however, is set to miss at least a month after suffering another muscular injury.

Johnston, who missed much of last season with a hamstring tear, pulled up during Celtic's match against Kilmarnock earlier this month. Further scans have indicated that his return is not expected until around October.

“There was definitely something there. I think the prognosis is sometime in October for him. Yeah, it’s a blow,” O'Neill said.

The injury has also prompted Celtic to examine the possibility of adding defensive cover before the transfer deadline. O'Neill said the club would assess its options after the LASK match, with Kieran currently viewed as the only established left-sided full-back in the squad.