Celtic defender sees major change from Kairat nightmare ahead of LASK play-off

Cameron Carter-Vickers believes Celtic’s strengthened attack can help ensure there is no repeat of last season’s Champions League play-off disappointment.

The Hoops were eliminated at the same stage by Kairat Almaty last August, failing to score across two legs before losing on penalties in Kazakhstan.

There is a different mood around Martin O’Neill’s side ahead of Wednesday night’s first leg against LASK, with Celtic scoring 10 goals across their opening three victories of the season.

Kasper Hogh already has a hat-trick to his name after the 5-1 win at Kilmarnock, while Camilo Duran opened his competitive account in Saturday’s 4-0 Premier Sports Cup victory over Dundee United.

Haissem Hassan and Mika Baur also made their debuts from the bench at Tannadice, and Carter-Vickers believes Celtic’s summer arrivals have injected fresh energy into the squad.

He said via Celtic’s official YouTube channel: “New signings do kind of give the group a bit of energy and a bit of momentum.

“Two of the players that have come so far have really hit the ground running, so that’s definitely a positive.”

He added: “I think we’ve signed good quality players. They’ve already shown what they can do and what they are capable of, so that’s helpful.”

Carter-Vickers knows Celtic will need that additional attacking quality against LASK after their lack of cutting edge proved costly at the same stage last season.

He said: “These kinds of qualifying ties are always difficult games.

“You are generally playing champions from other countries, teams that know how to win. Last year, over two legs, we struggled to score and maybe create chances.

“That was probably our downfall.”

Celtic now have another opportunity to book their place among Europe’s elite, and Carter-Vickers is determined to ensure Champions League football returns to Celtic Park.

He added: “It’s a competition that we want to be in year in, year out.”