Riga star Elvis Stuglis says his side have waited over 12 long months for a chance to pull off another shock.
Although FC Copenhagen knocked them out of the Europa League qualifiers last term before defeating Neil Lennon ’s men at the last 32 stage, the Latvians stunned the Danes by winning the home leg of their Play Off tie in a 3-2 aggregate defeat.
Stuglis insists Celtic are now in Riga’s sights and said: “We have been preparing for this game all year round and, most importantly, everyone is fit and healthy.
“We have always played well at home. It is unfortunate that there will be no fans at the game, but the guys are ready to fight for victory.”
Assistant manager Mihals Konevs will take charge of the hosts with boss Oleg Kononov having returned to his Russia homeland for family reasons.
He added: “Celtic are an even higher standard than Copenhagen, who we played last year.
“We have researched the opponent. Their team is versatile, strong on all lines and play well with the ball.
“We are physically strong and good in standard situations, but it is clear we will have to give not only 100 per cent, yet even more.
“But last year’s game with Copenhagen proved that we can play against teams of this level and everything is in our own hands.”
