Alistair Johnston says Celtic's upcoming clash with Young Boys in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday is like a cup final.
The Parkhead side booked their place in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup on Saturday night courtesy of a dominant 2-1 win over Kilmarnock.
Goals from captain Callum McGregor and the returning Daizen Maeda were enough to see Brendan Rodgers' men into the hat for Monday night's fifth-round draw.
All attention for Celtic now, though, turns to the European scene, where Swiss champions Young Boys lie in wait on Wednesday.
Victory would more than likely see the team from Glasgow's east end into the promised land of the UEFA Champions League knockouts, and that is why Johnston thinks the midweek clash is do or die: "It’s massive," he said (RecordSport).
"We know where we are in the table and how important the points could be. At the end of the day, this is the one you look at.
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"It could be like a cup final for us if you get the points you need because you will probably secure a knockout round place. And you don’t really want to be going to Villa away needing something.
"It’s a massive chance, and I’m looking forward to it. The atmosphere is going to be unbelievable – Celtic Park under the lights and with a lot on the line.”
With nine points from their opening six league phase matches to date, Celtic sit 21st in the table with two games to spare.
A victory and three more points against the Swiss midweek would all but do it and ensure Rodgers' side secure knockout Champions League football for the first time in over a decade.
