Luke McCowan insists Celtic are NOT Champions League 'tourists' as Euro message from inside Parkhead revealed

Luke McCowan insists Celtic are not going to be just tourists in the Champions League.

The Hoops new boy is relishing his big chance on Europe’s top stage as the Parkhead men kick off their campaign against Slovan Bratislava on Wednesday. McCowan admitted it will be a special moment to hit the big time after coming through the ranks at Ayr United and Dundee. But no one at the club will be happy just to be involved among the big boys.

McCowan knows Celts have suffered too much Champions League disappointment in recent years and he insisted everyone at Parkhead is determined to make an impact in the group stage. He said: “We are not there as tourists. That’s the message. I've probably watched the competition for years now. Celtic always want to push as far into the Champions League as possible and show you're a Champions League team.

“We are and I'm sure we’ve got a great chance to do that. I’m sure the boys will be aiming for that. Of course, we want to push on. You've got teams spending £100million in budgets and all that rubbish.

“But you've got to know that what's in front of you, you want to try and beat them. Regardless of who you're playing, regardless of what you want to say, we’re good enough to beat what is in front of you and that'll be the message, I'm sure.

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