Mikael Lustig: 'Fenerbahce clash is exciting for Celtic'

Celtic defender Mikael Lustig has claimed that his side's Europa League clash with Fenerbahce on Thursday is an exciting prospect for both the club's players and fans alike.

The Turkish giants signed a number of high-profile players in the summer, including Nani and Robin van Persie from Manchester United, and the Swedish international believes that his side must overlook the big names and stay focused on progressing in the tournament.

"I've played against both of them before at international level," Lustig told The Scotsman. "They are maybe a little bit older but they are very good quality and excellent footballers. They will have nine other good players. Fenerbahce is a big club who has spent a lot of money so I'm sure it will be a huge game.

"It's especially exciting for the fans. They see the big names from Fenerbahce and prefer that. We could have drawn someone like Krasnodar from Russia – a team that doesn't have the big names but are still a good side. Hopefully we can get the European atmosphere that makes Celtic Park special and we can then respond.

"It's a really big game and we need to stay focused and go through the group. We want to be in Europe as long as possible. When it's a big team with big names in it then it makes it a little bit more special."

Lustig has made 96 appearances for the Scottish Premiership champions, scoring eight goals since joining in 2011.