There is a difference between dreaming big and losing sight of the job in front of you. Celtic’s task is clear:
The report also notes last year’s disappointment at this stage against Kairat Almaty, a reminder that reputation does not carry anyone through these rounds. Celtic should still back themselves, but the tie demands discipline as much as swagger.
There also appears to be a layer of unease around Arne Engels, with the update describing his exit as a disappointment. Whether that issue becomes a major distraction may depend on timing as much as emotion. Qualifiers are unforgiving, and uncertainty around key players can shift the mood quickly.
Celtic have often been at their best when the focus is sharp and the dressing room feels settled. If there is noise around the squad, Brendan Rodgers will want it managed fast.
This is not only about prestige. The report says qualification could be worth around £40m, a figure that underlines how transformative these matches can be. That kind of money shapes recruitment, squad depth and the club’s room for manoeuvre across the season.
If Celtic can marry O’Neill’s grand vision with a cold, professional performance, the conversation changes quickly. The next storyline to watch is simple: can they turn belief into authority when LASK arrive, and give themselves a platform for the rest of the European campaign?