Here are the vital confrontations when Celtic face Shakhter Karagandy in the first leg of their Champions League play-off at the Astana Arena tomorrow night, looking to take a positive result back with them to Scotland for next week's Parkhead return.
Efe Ambrose V Sergei Khizhnichenko
Ambrose's place at the heart of Celtic's defence will be even more important following the return of Kelvin Wilson to Nottingham Forest. The Nigerian international started in midfield at Aberdeen on Saturday before shifting to the back four and the move worked well as the resurgent Dons drew a blank at Pittodrie. His experience will be crucial in quelling Shakhter frontman Sergei Khizhnichenko's threat. The 22-year-old struck the only goal for Kazakhstan in a friendly win over Georgia on Wednesday and will present a physical test for Ambrose to deal with.
Scott Brown (above) V Gevorg Ghazaryan
Scotland skipper Brown proved last week at Wembley that he has the tenacity and drive to live with the best after dominating England's Steven Gerard for much of the Dark Blues' 3-2 defeat to the Auld Enemy. That same fighting spirit will be required if he is to dominate the Karagandy midfield. However, the Astana Arena's plastic pitch may prove problematic for Brown and his creaking hips while Armenian playmaker Ghazaryan, capped 31 times for his country, will look to exploit any signs of weakness. With eight international goals to his name, he gives his side a scoring threat from deep.
James Forrest V Gediminas Vicius
Forrest was another of the Hoops' Scottish contingent that saw action in London but struggled to impose himself on Everton left-back Leighton Baines. However, the 22-year-old will not have it so tough against Shakhter's Gediminas Vicius. Forrest is highly rated by Celtic boss Neil Lennon and his pace and trickery should present the former FBK Kaunas full-back with plenty to consider. Defender Vicius has six caps for Lithuania but speed is not one of his main attributes and Forrest will have opportunity to exploit him.
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