Griffiths confident Celts can master Armenians

Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths is anticipating a tough opener in their quest for Champions League qualification after being drawn against Alashkert.

Celtic will face the Armenian side in the first round of qualifying on July 10, the first of four potential rounds they must face to seal a place in the group stages of the competition.

They have progressed through qualifying in the last two seasons before being knocked out in the group stages, but enter the draw in the first round this season after a re-jig in the format.

Griffiths, who scored twice in the Champions League last season, expects a tough trip to Armenia, but is confident the players can come through the extra round.

“It’s always difficult wherever we go,” he said. “The first game is never going to be easy. It’s a long flight, with a tough opponent and we don’t know much about them.

“It will be hard and then we have a good tie to look forward to if we get through to the next round (against Rosenborg of Norway or Icelandic champions Valur). I think we will be well prepared for it and give ourselves lots of recovery time to go over there and get the job done.

He added: “It’s hard enough when it is six games, but to make it eight makes it even harder, but the boys are capable of doing it.”

It might not be as easy for Griffiths to star for the Hoops again this season after they announced the permanent signing of Odsonne Edouard from Paris St-germain.

The addition of the powerful striker means Griffiths will be vying for one spot up front with Edouard and Moussa Dembele.

Leigh Griffiths is confident Celtic will pass first hurdle.