TYPE the phrase "no excuses" and "Celtic" into any search engine and a fair amount of articles are spat back at you.

 

It's something players like to say and journalists like to write before any big game, even when there are actual legitimate reasons why things might just go a bit wrong.

That was certainly the case with Celtic a year ago. A new manager, new-ish team, not enough players fit and in form and a not-so-mini tour of Europe were all factors in what was a failed attempt to get to the Champions League group stages. Yet, everyone lined up to say that not qualifying for the competition proper wasn't worth thinking about before the comedown.

The defeats to Legia Warsaw and then MK Marior, after the Polish side were thrown out of Europe for a secretarial error, was just about right. That's where Celtic were. It is not where they are now.

First-team coach John Kennedy is a smart guy and not prone to hyperbole, so when within an hour of Celtic being paired with Icelandic champions Stjarnan in their first Champions League qualifier he confidently stated that Ronnie Deila and his staff had everything in place to ensure no repeat of last year, you really believed him.

"I think the manager will be a little more relaxed this time, " said Kennedy. "The reason being he knows what he's got here in front of him squad-wise.

"He knows the strengths and weaknesses. The players also know what he wants. As soon as we start training the players will know what's coming and how we'll want to play in these games.

"They know what's expected of them. That's important - that there's an understanding there. Because a lot of players would have gone into the games (last year) not fully understanding what their job was or their role was.

"There's no excuses this year. They know, we know and it's up to us to do the business. Last year was a baptism of fire. We know when the time comes around and that games start there's that pressure.

"But that's part of the joy of being here. To get to where you want to be - the Champions League - you need to cross these hurdles.

"That's what it is. We need to make sure we are fully prepared for that. Last year's experience, as I said, will stand us in good stead. Now we know what's coming along. Last year will give us an edge going into these games."

So there really are no excuses! Well, perhaps less this time around, however, it's still going to be something of a test for Celtic to get through three ties against opposition which will improve as the qualifiers near their end.

Celtic should have more than enough to deal with Stjarnan but nothing is guaranteed. What can be said with some certainty is that the club's decision to spend pre-season at home, they play three friendly games at St Mirren Park, gives Deila more of a chance, especially as the players are back in on Sunday after the shortest summer break of their lives.

"Looking back to when I was a player, you had a lot more time before your first game," said Deila. "When you have four weeks and the internationals meet up later, before you know it the first game is there.

"Preparation-wise, you don't get time. Sometimes you spend more time travelling on buses and going to games and we just it would be better this year to stay at home.

"We have a training ground here, players can go home to their families and it is a much more settled environment. Hopefully, that preparation will be better for us going into games. The long trips are good when you have more time.

"I've experienced it and it can be good for morale and going to nice parts of the world, but our priority is being best prepared for the Champions League. One thing I will say is that everyone is together and we're doing what's best for the club."

Celtic should be at full strength for their trip to Iceland, which they will need to be no matter who they were playing. Forget any talk of minnows and what not, Stjarnan will be decent if no world beaters. Their season has already started and they beat Motherwell last year. They won't be favourites but they won't be hopeless.

"We know the quality of teams you can face at these stages, " said Kennedy. "So first and foremost, we need to go into the first tie as best prepared as we can be and take care of business and from then on take each game as it comes.

"It's very difficult to qualify. People talk about qualifying for the Champions League but there are six games and three ties you need to get through, and I think the standard of the opposition is getting higher and higher.

"From the experience I've had and what I see, it's getting tougher. Considering we've done so well in the past 10-15 years in Europe as a club, we are still asked to go through a rigorous qualification schedule.

"The fact it is getting tougher would make getting there a greater achievement. But these are the cards we are dealt. We knew coming into the new season that this is what we'd have to face and we'll certainly stand up, face that and attack it."

And attack it they will. At least Celtic have the weaponry this summer.