Lustig urges Bhoys to take lead to Athens

CELTIC defender Mikael Lustig has called upon Brendan Rodgers’ side to do the hard work on Wednesday night when the Bhoys host AEK Athens in the UEFA Champions League firstleg, third- round qualifier.

The Swede has missed the opening two qualification rounds against Alashkert and Rosenborg due to his involvement at the FIFA World Cup after he been given an extended break but played his first 90 minutes of the season on Saturday as Celtic overcame Livingston at Celtic Park and is expected to start the game against AEK.

The Greek side have not started their competitive season yet, something that Lustig believes can work to Celtic’s favour.

“I think we are more fit now than this time last year,” said Lustig. “This year is harder than before. To have Athens in this round, usually you would get that team in the last round. We hope that they feel it is a test for them. We feel strong.

“Especially in the home game against Rosenborg, we played good football. If we can get up to that level, we have a good chance.

“Usually you want the second leg here, but if you are at home in the first leg you just need to go out there and try to take a lead into the second leg. We have played a lot of great games in the first leg, when we have almost finished the tie.

“We have played five games so we are hopefully up to speed. We are going to make sure that we put them under pressure straight away.

“We know it is an important game on a European night but if we turn up like we used to do then it should be good.”