Former Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew has urged the Hoops to keep their focus sharp after being drawn against either Slovan Bratislava or Kairat Almaty in the Champions League playoff round. Brendan Rodgers’ side will play the first leg at Celtic Park before travelling away for the decisive second leg.

Celtic know both possible opponents carry very different challenges. They swept aside Slovan 5-1 in last season’s competition, but Mulgrew insists that result cannot be taken as a guarantee of progression.

Meanwhile, a trip to Kazakhstan to face Kairat would pose a huge logistical test, especially with a Glasgow Derby at Ibrox scheduled just days later.

Mulgrew believes complacency would be the biggest threat to Celtic’s hopes of reaching the league phase. He also made it clear that squad reinforcements are needed quickly, particularly in the attacking department.

While he feels the midfield is strong enough to cope, Mulgrew says adding more threat in the final third could make the difference between qualifying and falling short.

He said: (Go Radio Football Show), “I think the worst thing you can do is expect to already be through and start getting complacent. These two teams will be difficult, but you’d imagine Celtic should get through. You can’t take your eye off the ball.

“I think signings have to be brought in, definitely. You’ve got to get players in the door — everybody knows that.

“Brendan Rodgers knows it. I just don’t know how much money Celtic are willing to spend, but time will tell.

“Forward players are needed quickly. The midfield is fine, they look strong there, but it’s those forward players in the final third who make the difference and get you results.”

With the first leg under the lights at Celtic Park, Rodgers will want his side to put the tie to bed early.

However, the potential second-leg journey to Kazakhstan, with its long travel, time difference and fatigue factor, would be far from ideal preparation for the trip to Ibrox.

The Irishman has spoken before about the importance of adding quality in the window, and Mulgrew’s comments only reinforce the urgency to act before the playoff begins.

Failure to bring in fresh attacking options could leave the Hoops stretched at a key moment in the season, especially with such a punishing schedule on the horizon.

The next few weeks will decide not just Celtic’s European fate, but also how they approach one of the most important domestic fixtures of the campaign.