Celtic`s chances of booking their place in the Champions League group stages were boosted when it was confirmed today they will be seeded for the second qualifying round.
The draw takes place on Friday and means the Hoops are set to avoid some of the bigger clubs involved.
It also rules out the possibility of a meeting with holders Liverpool, who will also be among the seeded teams should they progress from the first qualifying round.
The last time both clubs met was en route to Celtic`s UEFA Cup final defeat to Jose Mourinho`s Porto but another `battle of Britain` is not on the cards this time.
Instead, Celtic could be paired with Croatian outfit Hajduk Split, Thun of Switzerland or Swedish side Malmo, who have booked their place in the draw already.