Celtic manager Neil Lennon has warned his players will have to be at their best against Ajax in Amsterdam tonight.
Lennon believes the Dutch team is as good as AC Milan and Barcelona.
Expectation is building after the Hoops’ 2-1 Champions League Group H win against Ajax at Parkhead last month which gave them their first three points to leapfrog Frank de Boer’s side, who dropped to bottom of the section with one point after three games.
Victory against Ajax could take the Scottish champions ahead of Milan, depending on how the Italian side fares against leaders Barca, and set up a decider at Celtic Park when the Rossoneri visit Glasgow later in the month.
However Lennon, who expects Georgios Samaras, Kris Commons and Mikael Lustig to be fit, tried to dampen down those expectations.
“We always knew the double-header against Ajax would be pivotal and it has proved to be the case,” he said.
“You don’t know what is round the corner but what I would say is on their day Ajax are as good as Barcelona and Milan. They caused us as many problems as both those teams and I think it will be the same again.
“It was important we got some points on the board against Ajax. But we are under no illusions as to how difficult this will be. Ajax were very unfortunate not to beat Milan at home. I think the Champions League inspires players and gets the best out of them. I hope that is the case for our players. If we are to progress we have to pick something up away but we don’t need to win. If we can get a point and beat Milan at home that gives us seven points and gives us a real chance of qualifying.”
Lennon knows on-form goalkeeper Fraser Forster will again be crucial to his side’s chances and expects the big Geordie to gain his first England cap in one of the forthcoming friendlies against Chile and Germany.
Roy Hodgson’s first-choice goalkeeper Joe Hart has been dropped at Manchester City while possible replacement John Ruddy let in seven goals for Norwich against City at the weekend.
Lennon added: “Regardless of how Fraser plays I think he has a good opportunity of playing for England.
“He has been in fantastic form for the past two seasons. Roy Hodgson has already indicated he might feature. If he did get the chance he is ready for it.”