Celtic can use Feyenoord's Champions League rookie status against them despite De Kuip kicker

Defiant Quinten Timber reckons Feyenoord's Champions League inexperience won't hinder their chances of progressing beyond the group stage despite admitting they have "no control" over their rookie status.

Timber, brother of Arsenal star Jurrien, is set to make his UCL debut as the Dutch and Scottish champions go head to head at De Kuip. The 22-year-old won't be the only one getting their first taste of elite European football, with only three Feyenoord players - Luka Ivanusec, Bart Nieuwkoop and Timon Wellenreuther - having experience in the competition.

However, Timber is far from concerned by Feyenoord's young squad despite suggestions that it could give Celtic the upper hand. Brendan Rodgers' side have a plethora of stars who were at the club for the Champions League journey under Ange Postecoglou last season, whereas tonight's hosts were plying their trade in the Europa League and experienced a huge summer squad overhaul. The average age of the players available to manager Arne Slot is around 24 compared to 26 for the Celts.

Asked if inexperience would affect Feyenoord's chances, Timber replied: "It's something we have no control over. It's going to be tough against Celtic. But we're playing in De Kuip, so we want to go full throttle."

Timber gets goosebumps at the idea that he will make his first Champions League bow against Celtic as Jurriën has already told him about to expect a "special feeling".

"I was just standing outside the stadium and it already felt special," Timber admitted. "And now that I'm sitting here (at the press conference), it also gives me a special feeling. Jurriën has told me that before. Coincidentally, he just texted me that It's going to be a great week. That was a nice message."

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