Vaclav Kotal insists Celtic represent the weakest team in Sparta Prague's Europa League group after Friday's draw threw up a highly-competitive section.
Current Czech First Division leaders Sparta have been handed a tough ask to make the knockouts, along with the Hoops, cash-rich Ligue 1 side Lille and Italian giants AC Milan.
Neil Lennon ’s team were handed pot one seeding after a run of fortunate results on Thursday night - but Kotal believes they represent less of a challenge than the other two sides.
Asked by Sparta’s official club website whether Lille’s pot four status meant the French club are the group's weakest side, Kotal said: “Certainly not Lille, no.
“They have done very well in the French league and play a fast, athletic style of football - always in motion.
“In my opinion, the most playable is Celtic and they were in the first pot. But the opponents are all very attractive.”
Sparta have been in rampant form domestically this season, winning five out of five matches and scoring 18 goals in the process.
So while they may be in a ‘group of death’, Kotal was in defiant mood.
He added: “We can play against anyone.
“Of course they are quality teams at a high level and it will be a test for our players.
“But it is always possible for the organisation of a team to outweigh the individual quality of players.
“Our boys will give everything for the benefit of a team performance.”
