Ange Postecoglou says a clinical edge will be needed to help bring Celtic fully to the elite European table - but living and dying by the sword suits him fine.
The Hoops boss has been pleased with aspects of his side's Champions League Group F run but head into their final home match with Shakhtar Donetsk knowing they need to win to maintain hopes of playing Europa League football beyond Christmas. Last 16 hopes are gone after two defeats to RB Leipzig, Real Madrid beating them in their maiden match and an inability to score several opportunities against tomorrow's opponents away from home meant they only took a point from that encounter.
Postecoglou believes his side can cope on the continent's biggest stage but is aware that they need to start taking some of the many chances they are creating. Celtic have scored 14 goals in three domestic matches heading into the match against Ukrainian opposition.
The Hoops manager said: "It's fine margins. We have had decent form heading into all of these games in terms of scoring goals. But we know at this level, it's a little more challenging.
"There are better defenders and better goalkeepers. It seems the posts are thicker as we keep hitting them. For us it's about putting ourselves in those situations constantly.
"I am sure all of our players are learning just how difficult it is to convert those chances. Every time they are out there, I am sure thinking about that.
"They will be looking to improve. For me, the constant within that is let's create those chances. There are plenty of teams at this level who struggle to create anything.
"We haven't had that problem. We go into tomorrow night against a very good opponent that have taken points off every other team in the group.
"We are going to have to be at our best to create those chances and I am confident if we keep doing that, we will begin to convert them."
Postecoglou is aware disappointment could be felt if the Hoops do finish bottom after this match and a trip to Real Madrid, but he rejects the notion it would leave the fanbase flat, as they've gone about things correctly.
When asked if thing could be learned over the two matches remaining, even if they come out of it bottom, Postecoglou replied: "Despondent is a strong word. I'd hate to think people who have been following us, especially our supporters, feel that way.
"If nothing else, I understand they will be disappointed. But we have high ambitions about our ability to compete at this level and every game is an opportunity to progress yourself. And the only way to do that is by testing yourself.
"We may finish bottom of the group and I hope that doesn't send people into despondency. I am pretty sure our supporters, what they have seen, is a team trying to maintain their identity against the toughest of opposition."
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