THERE is little doubt that Stuart Armstrong and Gary Mackay-Steven are eagerly anticipating their Celtic debuts at Firhill on Wednesday night when the Champions will seek to maintain their lead at the top of the Premiership

However, with no disrespect to Partick Thistle it is the next two Wednesday nights that the former Dundee United duo are relishing more.

Celtic host Internazionale on February 19 with a trip to the historic San Siro seven days later for a place in the last 16 of the Europa League and they know they will learn in these matches what playing for the Parkhead club is all about.

The history between the two clubs is, of course, legendary as a result of the 1967 European Cup triumph by Jock Stein's side over Helenio Herrera's Inter in Lisbon.

Next week will spark a revival of all of the memories of that famous time and that's the environment they crave.

Armstrong said: "European football is a big thing for me. We have Inter Milan later this month and it's fantastic to think I could be part of a game at the San Siro.

"I've never been to a European game at Celtic Park. There are a lot of things at Celtic that have still to sink in.

"To have the prospect of the Europa League and Champions League 10 years after sitting watching it as a kid on TV is incredible.

"It's really exciting and slightly overwhelming at the moment but I am looking forward to it."

The spotlight will be on the former Tannadice stars but Mackay-Steven says he is ready to embrace it and will not change his style.

The 24-year-old said: "I feel well prepared both mentally and physically. Everyone has their opinions but I am relishing the opportunity here and hopefully I will thrive under the conditions.

"I think it gets thrown at all creative players that you maybe take a few more chances than other players do.

"When others pass, you look to attack and take players on but I don't think I will change my game for anyone.

"I've always played the same way and look to get at players, attack all the time and create hopefully with the players already here I can add to that and help the team."

It has been refreshing that two exciting Scottish players have remained in this country even if Dundee United supporters will not agree and Armstrong has offered compelling reasons why they both opted for Parkhead.

They have looked at how Scott Brown has blossomed into one of the most significant figures in the club's recent history and they are glad they are now on the same team.

Armstrong said: "Scott is someone who has shown what a Scottish player can achieve at Celtic. When you think of Celtic, you think of Scott Brown.

"He has achieved a lot at this football club and if I can be half as successful as he's been, I'll be happy.

"I met Scott a few times when I was in the Scotland squad for friendlies and had a few chats.

"He's always a tough guy to play against and you learn from that experience of going up against guys like him.

"You try to take on board what they are doing on the pitch and hopefully I will learn even more playing in the same side.

"Scott commands the central area and dictates the play. He's physical and it can be quite enduring to go up against him for 90 minutes.

"But he has many aspects to his game and that is just one of them. To be a top player, you have to be good at everything. He has that down to a tee."

Equally, Mackay-Steven is ready to buy into the Ronny Deila style of play and he believes it is a system where his attacking instincts can shine.

He said: "His philosophy I admired from afar. He likes to get the ball down and have his teams play attacking football, easy on the eye. That was a big factor.

"I like to be involved in a team that attacks and is entertaining. Celtic have always been that. I am just really excited to be a part of that and add to the array of talent that is here."