Kasper Schmeichel says Celtic have moved on from Champions League blow and are targeting Europa League success

Kasper Schmeichel insisted Celtic’s Champions League anguish is in the past and they have now “refocused” on enjoying a sustained run in the Europa League.

The Hoops missed out on the main phase of Europe’s elite tournament for the first time since 2021 when they were humbled by Kairat Almaty of Kazakhstan in the play-off round in August.

But goalkeeper Schmeichel claimed his side have parked that disappointment and are intent on making the most of their opportunity in the Europa League, where they began with a 1-1 draw away to Red Star Belgrade last week.

“The Europa League is massively important, this is our reality,” the experienced Dane said ahead of Thursday’s home match against Braga. “We can’t affect the past now, all we can go and do is do as well in this competition as possible, so it’s absolutely vitally important for us.

“Any time you put on a Celtic shirt, you’re expected to win, whether it’s in Europa League, Champions League, whatever it is, you’re expected to win, and that’s the expectations that we have for ourselves. So, like I said, this is an extremely important competition for us.

“We can’t affect the past, that’s the nature of being a professional footballer. You have disappointments and you have highs, you have lows. You have to learn to deal with them and move on very fast.

“We had to move on after not making the Champions League, and we had to refocus, and that’s what we’ve done, so that’s in the past. What we can do now is focus on getting good results in this competition.”

Celtic have been struggling to score goals this term, but Schmeichel takes heart from the fact his side have conceded only three times in their 11 matches in all competitions.

“I think we’ve done very well,” he said. “At least in the time I’ve been here, we’ve been very, very solid. I think any good team is built on a solid defence.

“As a team, we press very, very high up the pitch and we defend very, very well everywhere. We minimise chances for the opposition and I think we give ourselves a platform to go and win games, so I’m very, very happy with that.”

Braga have failed to win any of their last five matches in the Portuguese top flight but kicked off their Europa League campaign with a 1-0 home win over Feyenoord last week.

“I think they’ll be a tough team to play against, but I’m very confident that if we play up to our potential, then we’ll be able to win the game,” added Schmeichel.