Leigh Griffiths: qualifier against Astana is "make or break" for Celtic

Leigh Griffiths believes that the success of Celtic´s entire season could depend on tonight´s Champions League play-off first leg against Astana.

Brendan Rodgers´ side swept aside all domestic competition last season but they once again aspire to make their mark in Europe. Their final hurdle in a bid to reach the Champions League group stages and gain a potential £30m windfall is a two-legged qualifier against Kazakhstan champions, Astana.

However, Griffiths does admit that, with the season only a month old, Celtic are already facing a match would could potentially definte their year, calling the tie "make or break".

“Last year it set us up on a great platform," said the Scottish striker. "We knew it was a difficult group but having Champions League football back at Celtic Park after two disappointing years previously was massive for everybody involved. If we can get back into the group it will put everyone on a real high. The fans will be shouting from the rooftops and it will make the start we’ve made to the season worthwhile.”

A win against Rosenborg in the previous round meant that last year´s treble winners would, worst case scenario, be playing a European competition until December. The tie against Astana will determine whether Celtic will be competing with Europe´s elite in the Champions League or it´s inferior relation, the Europa League. 

When asked by a reporter whether a defeat to their Central Asian opponents would be "catastrophic" Griffiths provided a defiant response: “I don’t think about losing. We as a club don’t think about losing. I only think about the Champions League group stages. I don’t think about the Europa League.”

The Scottish side will head into the first leg encouraged by the fact that they defeated Astana in last year´s third qualifying round. Brendan Rodgers, who will be without defenders Erik Sviatchenko and Dedryk Boyata as well as striker Moussa Dembélé, said: “We played them last year and had two tough games which thankfully we got through.

“The style hasn’t changed so much. It’s the same coach, a lot of the same players and the game in which they play is quite direct. They play up to the big striker who has good technique and has good mobility for a big striker. They then play off the wide player Patrick Twumasi who is very fast on the counter attack. So that actual style of the game is pretty much the same."

“But the European games we had last year helped us gain a resilience. It was interesting watching last season’s qualifiers back and in terms of how we played the game, what our idea of football was, it was nowhere near what it is now.

“So what we have built up since then is that mental resilience. We’re missing some key players but it’s not a computer game. It’s not Football Manager where, if you lose one, you can just pick one straight off the computer and put him straight in. It’s much more difficult than that – but I have always put trust in the players I have.”

Dembélé´s late penalty, along with a goal from Griffiths in each leg, ensured a 3-2 victory on aggregate last year against Astana. The responsibility to fire Celtic through to the group stages this year falls solely on Griffiths´ shoulders, with the Frenchman Dembélé out injured. 

However, the Scotland international has brushed off the possibility of there being any additional pressure on him as the only fit striker. 

“I don’t think there’s any added pressure on me right now. I showed last year even when Moussa was fit I was still the main man to go to and get the goals to fire us into the Champions League.

“Yeah if Moussa was fit it would be a massive help to us but with the quality we have got in the dressing room we’re more than capable of getting through the two ties.”.