GIORGOS GIAKOUMAKIS insists he and his team-mates will be treating the Europa Conference League as seriously as any other continental competition as Celtic prepare to make their bow in the new tournament.

Ange Posetecoglou's side host Bodo/Glimt on Thursday night before travelling to Norway the following week for the return fixture with the Eliteserien champions, with a place in the last 16 of the competition up for grabs.

There are thse who have been quick to turn their nose up at UEFA's latest brainchild and disparage it but Giakoumakis is not among them. 

Indeed, the centre-forward - who moved to Celtic from VVV-Venlo after finishing last season as the Eredivisie's top scorer - says he will be giving his all to ensure the Glasgow club progress in the competition.

"It is one of our targets, it is really important," Giakoumakis said. "Of course, it is a new competition that didn't exist in past years.

"It is something new but this is a European game for us, it is the same as if we play in the Europa League or Champions League.

"It is a big night for us and for the fans and we will try to make them happy again.

"Of course we can go as deep as possible in this competition. I don't see why we can't dream big - this squad is made to dream big."

The 27-year-old endured a tricky start to life at Parkhead as injuries and inconsistent performances resulted in the striker dropping in and out of Postecoglou's starting XI during the first half of the campaign.

After getting his fourth goal of the season in the weekend's 4-0 win over Raith Rovers in the Scottish Cup, though, he is feeling increasingly settled at Celtic - something Giakoumakis reckons will lead to improved performances on the park.

"Day by day I am feeling better," he added. "Of course, I have a lot of things to improve on and I hope in the next games I will be even better for the team. I always want to improve and raise my level as a player.

"Mentally, it was really hard for me before. I had to fight to be fit and then to help my team-mates realise what type of player I am.

"Now I feel more comfortable in the squad."