Christopher Jullien believes Celtic should be showcasing their talent to the world in the Champions League group stage.
And the French defender is set to take his domestic frustration out on Cluj in a bid to help them join the cream of Europe.
The £7million man declared himself happy with his competitive debut in last night’s 2-0 win over Nomme Kalju in Tallinn.
That helped complete a 7-0 aggregate romp over the Estonians and set up a third round qualifier with Dan Petrescu’s Romanian champs.
Jullien partnered Jozo Simunovic in a new-look central defensive pairing but the duo will sit out Saturday’s Parkhead flag day against St Johnstone due to suspension.
The 26-year-old is frustrated as his ban comes from a yellow card picked up in a meaningless final game of the Ligue 1 season for Toulouse against Dijon which has been carried over.
But the Frenchman has vowed to keep himself in top shape to be ready for the vital third round qualifier as Celtic prepare for a step up in class in their bid to reach the group stage next week.
Jullien said: “We have a lot of good talent and staff and we need the Champions League to show to the world that we have the team to play in this competition.
“I’m really confident and hopefully we’ll see on the pitch. It’s going to be a big game against Cluj as they have played in the Champions League a lot so we know we’re going to have to a good job.
“But I’m confident about this team. I received a yellow card in the last game of Ligue 1. I didn’t realise it would follow me to Scotland but I have to accept I will miss the St Johnstone game.
“I don’t even remember what the booking was for but 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.”
Jullien arrived while Neil Lennon’s squad were in Austria on pre-season but revealed the quality of the players in the squad have helped him settle.
And he reckons that led to his comfortable debut last night.
He said: “It felt great to make my debut and get a win and a clean sheet.
“It was a good game from the team. We really enjoyed it and moved the ball well. 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 because when you’re new and play in central defence then you need to know everything about your team-mates.
“I arrived really late into pre-season so I have to get into shape, 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.
“It was my first game with Jozo and we did a good job.”
Jullien’s fellow Frenchman Olivier Ntcham has also helped him settle quickly in Glasgow and the midfielder was a standout in Tallinn.
And the centre-half said: “Everyone in France knows Olivier is a really good player and he did really well.”
Jullien’s fellow debutant Marian Shved made a dream start to his Hoops career when he scored Celtic’s second in injury time.
The Ukrainian climbed off the bench and the 22-year-old, loaned back to Karpaty Lviv after signing last January, said: “We played well and I’m very happy because I scored my first goal in my first game, so it’s great.”
