Celtic are set to mix it with Europe's best as they get ready to learn their Champions League group stage fate later this week.
And assistant boss John Kennedy is relishing the prospect of facing the best around and seeing exactly where Ange Postecoglou's current crop are at. The Scottish champions have started the domestic campaign on fire recording four wins from four games and netting 12 goals in the process, conceding just one.
Celtic regularly dominate matches domestically so mistakes and faults are not shown up as often or punished. However, on the biggest stage that is a different story with Kennedy admitting they will need to be at the 'top' of their game. He believes dining at Europe's top table will show how far the Hoops have progressed and says the return of the Champions League to Parkhead is exciting for everybody associated with the club.
He told Celtic TV: "These are the games you see the reality of where you're at.
"Sometimes we dominate domestically and sometimes there's faults there that don't quite get shown up. But with these games, that's the difference.
"You have to be on top of your game. You need to continue to do what you do and test yourself against the best.
Sign up to Glasgow Live newsletter for more headlines straight to your inbox
READ MORE: Rangers placed among top 10 teams in world football by global ranking as Celtic beat Barcelona
"That will show you where you're at. I've seen it many times as well where you're actually about to go up levels because playing against better opponents brings out your game even more.
"That's what we hope happens. It's certainly an exciting time for everybody to go and see these games once more."
READ NEXT:
- Former Celtic man hits last gasp leveller as Bundesliga new boys claim point at Stuttgart
- Tam McManus in Celtic and Rangers century prediction as he labels five sub rule 'very unfair'
- Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou provides transfer update as he makes 'one or two' declaration
- Carl Starfelt in Celtic 'push each other' confession as he opens up on injury return and goal
- Ross Barkley Celtic transfer backed as pundit labels Chelsea switch 'good move'