Callum McGregor insists an early start for Celtic’s Champions League qualifying campaign will not be a hindrance as they look to make it to Europe’s top table.

The Hoops will take on either Flora of Estonia or Gibraltar side Lincoln Red Imps away next week with just four training games under their belt.

McGregor first burst on to the scene two years ago during the same period and even scored three goals in Ronny Deila’s first failed attempt to reach the group stages.

Now faced with another early start midway through July, the midfielder is not worried about going into next week underprepared, instead telling their opponents the Ladbrokes Premiership champions will be ready and waiting.

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“You are as well going straight in. There are pros and cons,” he said at the club’s team hotel in Maribor. “We are doing all the fitness stuff and we have the four games over here so I am sure we will adapt and be ready.

“The tactics and other stuff will also be put in by the manager over the coming weeks.

“Normally, I start well and I am hoping for more of the same. I got a goal against Maribor last time but I just need to keep working hard and trying to get better.”

McGregor’s Celtic first-team career may have been in its infancy two years ago but the play-off pain felt at Parkhead was not dampened by the sense of excitement in the man who had just returned from a loan spell at Notts County.

Read more: Stuart Armstrong: Celtic, Champions League and exam results

After scoring away to Maribor to earn a 1-1 draw, the Hoops were stung by a Morales Tavares strike 15 minutes from time that sent the Slovenian’s into the group stages.

It is a scar that still has not fully healed for Mcregor, but a blemish that to this day acts as a permanent reminder of what lies ahead.

“The disappointment is there,” he said.

“We will try and draw from that and we will try and do better.

“That is in the players’ minds. We are all desperate to get there.

“The manager has got the experience and if we work hard together then there is no reason why we can’t get there.

“The last couple of years not being there is a major motivation.

“I still feel we have time to gel and get ready for those games. We are all desperate to get there.”

Read more: Stuart Armstrong: Celtic, Champions League and exam results

Meanwhile, Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has revealed new striker Moussa Dembele will finally make his debut tomorrow night when the Hoops travel to the Slovenian capital to take on Olimpija Ljubljana.

The Frenchman has been at both of Celtic’s games so far but has not taken part.

Rodgers said: "Moussa will feature on Wednesday night.

"He's only just with us and you have to give him a few days, otherwise there is a high risk of injury.

"He will play some part on Wednesday.”