Celtic fly out today to Germany to take on Beyer Leverkusen on Matchday 5 of the UEFA Europa League Group G campaign knowing that they can take another step towards remaining in the competition, but also well aware that they are facing a very formidable Bundesliga opponent.

However, the Hoops have been producing a string of imposing performances themselves and defender, Cameron Carter-Vickers sees maintaining that momentum as key to delivering the right result in Leverkusen – one that could open the door to more Europa League action after Christmas rather than the Conference League.

He said: “Bayer Leverkusen are a very good side, I think it will be a very tough game for us but we have belief and we’ve been growing belief in the squad throughout the last few games, so we’ll go over there and play our football and try to get a result.

“It will be a big test. They are obviously a good team and play in a top league, they’ve got good attacking players and good midfield players so it will be a test for us, but it’s one we are looking forward to.

'We know we will have European football after Christmas, but for us it’s trying to play at the highest level we can and obviously while that opportunity is still there for us to progress in the Europa League, that’s what we want to try to do.'

“All of the players are enjoying their football at the moment and being in and around the training ground. That helps to breed more confidence and when we go there tomorrow, we want to keep that momentum.

“That’s obviously what we want to do, like I said, we’ve got belief in the squad and in the team that we can go and play teams like Bayer Leverkusen and get results, so that’s something we are looking to do.

“We are on a good run and we’ve got momentum. We haven’t looked too much at their form. We know their strengths and know they’ll be a tough test, but we have been on a good run with momentum behind us and it’s up to us to keep that going.”

Cameron Carter-Vickers wants to maintain impetus in Germany