ANGE POSTECOGLOU is eagerly awaiting Celtic’s return to the big time as the Greek-Australian counts down the days until Thursday evening’s draw for the group stages of the Champions League.

The cinch Premiership champions qualified directly for Europe’s premier club competition thanks to an improved coefficient, sidestepping the often-hazardous qualifying rounds this summer.

The Glasgow giants last reached the Champions League proper in the 2017/18 campaign under the watch of then manager Brendan Rodgers and the current occupant of the Parkhead hot-seat believes the club fully deserve their seat at Europe’s top table.

As fourth seeds in Thursday’s draw, Postecoglou knows his team will inevitably be paired alongside some of the continent’s biggest hitters but the Celtic boss, for one, is relishing the prospect of going up against the big boys and leaving them with a bloody nose.

“They will be good teams – it’s fair to say they will be decent sides,” Postecoglou said of Celtic’s potential group-stage opponents.

“We’re looking forward to it, it’s exciting. I know that come Thursday we’re going to have all our supporters glued to the TV set in anticipation.

“It’s where we should be. It’s where this football club needs to be. I have a responsibility to make sure we are there and we are there to make an impact.

“No doubt when we see the draw there are going to be some exciting ties and some memorable occasions for everyone involved in this football club – whether you are a player or staff, manager or supporter.

“Celtic Park Champions League nights are unforgettable, so I’m looking forward to it.”