Arne Engels says Celtic “belong” in the Champions League knockout stages as they look to secure a play-off spot with victory over Young Boys on Wednesday night.

Celtic have not played knockout football in the Champions League since 2012-13 when they lost to Italian giants Juventus in the last 16.

But a home victory over the pointless Swiss side would ensure a place in the play-off round and maintain hopes of an automatic place in the last 16, with a trip to Villa Park still to come in the final game.

“We are really ready as a squad and we also feel that we have qualities to make the difference,” said Belgium midfielder Engels.

“We feel also, in big games against good teams, that we can do really well and that we can perform.

“So of course, as a team, we all feel that we belong to the knockouts and we will do everything to go there.

“But we will see after the game. It is now just focusing on the game and the job that we need to do and after Aston Villa, we can hopefully talk about it.”