CHRISTOPHER JULLIEN believes Celtic are ready to show the world what they are made of by storming through to the Champions League group stages.
The French defender made his Celtic debut in the canter over Estonian side Nomme Kalju in Tallinn last night, and he says he has seen enough of his teammates already to be certain they can make it through another two qualifiers.
Their next test will be against Romanian champions CFR Cluj, but while Jullien knows that will represent a significantly tougher task than the one he faced as he made his bow for his new club, he is sure that Celtic are up for the challenge.
“It’s going to be a big game and it’s a team that plays in the Champions League a lot, so we know we’re going to have to a good job but I’m really confident about this team,” Jullien said.
READ MORE: Neil Lennon sure the best is yet to come from Celtic as they step up to face CFR Cluj
“We have a lot of good talent and staff and we need that Champions League to show to the world that we have the team to play in this competition and I’m really confident, so we’ll see on the pitch.”
Jullien was delighted to finally make a competitive appearance for Celtic after his big-money move from Toulouse, feeling he is getting sharper and closer to the player that persuaded Neil Lennon to splash out £7m to bring him to Glasgow.
“It felt great to make my debut and get a win and keep a clean sheet,” he said. “Everything is good and it was a good game from the team.
“We really enjoyed it on the field and moved the ball well and everything was fine. I talked a lot with my team-mates on the field, so it was a great night.
“I was just happy to start my big debut for Celtic because when you’re new and play in the position of central defence then you need to know everything about your team-mates.
“It’s a position where you have a lot of responsibility, so it was a good feeling. I’ve worked a lot since I’ve been here, and everything has been fine so I’m really happy.
“I arrived really late into pre-season, so I have to get into shape and be competitive and learn what my team-mates can and can’t do.
“It’s very important and when you have talent like we have then they make you comfortable on the field and I could feel it.”
READ MORE: Celtic marks out of ten: Bitton, Morgan and Ntcham impress in Estonia
Jullien will have to wait until the game against CFR Cluj at least for his second competitive outing for Celtic as he is suspended for Saturday’s Premiership opener against St Johnstone, a hangover from the tail-end of his last season in France.
“I received a yellow card in the last game of Ligue 1,” he said. “I didn’t realise it would follow me to Scotland, but you have to accept it.
“I don’t even remember what it was for. I know the final game was meaningless so it’s sad, but I have to stay fit and I’ll train well this week to be ready for Cluj.”
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