 Strachan will do his homework on Celtic's opponents |
Gordon Strachan can't wait to get his first taste of Champions League action as a manager. Celtic play the winners of Kazakhstan side Kairat and Slovakian team Artmedia in their second qualifying round tie.
"I'm just looking forward to European games full stop," Strachan told the club's official website.
"As for the teams, I wouldn't claim to know a great deal about either but we'll do our homework and make sure we're ready for the first leg."
Artmedia Bratislava were comfortable winners of a first Slovakian championship in their 107-year history.
But success has come at a cost, with top scorer Filip Sebo - who scored 18 goals in the campaign - already snapped up by Austria Vienna.
Kairat Almaty are also making their Champions League debut and are already 11 games into the new season.
But the defending champions, managed by Russian Aleksei Petrushin, are in fifth spot.
Kairat featured in the 2002/03 Uefa Cup but suffered a 5-0 aggregate loss to FK Crvena Zvezda, formerly known as Red Star Belgrade.
"I didn't have any massive preference beforehand," added Strachan. " So I can't say I'm too disappointed that we haven't drawn a team a little closer to home.
"Obviously there are logistical issues involved, particularly if we travel to Kazakhstan, but the club is well versed at handling such things and we'll be alright wherever we end up."
Strachan took Southampton into the 2003/04 Uefa Cup after losing out in the FA Cup final.
But the Saints fell at the first hurdle, losing 2-1 on aggregate to Steaua Bucharest.
MMIX
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