Scotland’s euro participants could rack up the air-miles in their quest to reach the latter stages of the Champions League and Europa League, following the latest round of UEFA qualifying draws.
Celtic will play Azerbaijan’s Qarabag or Montenegro’s Rudar Pljevlja in the Champions League third qualifying stage - should they maintain a first leg lead over Stjarnan. Ronny Deila’s side beat the Icelandic champions 2-0 at Celtic Park on Wednesday with goals from Dedrick Boyata and Stefan Johansen and look well placed to advance.
In the Europa League draw, Aberdeen - still on a high after last night’s 3-0 win over HNK Rijeka in Croatia - will play Alashkert of Armenia or FC Kairat of Kazakhstan. Like the Dons, Kairat will be favourites to qualify from that tie after winning 3-0 in the first leg.
William Hill Scottish Cup champions Inverness Caledonian Thistle could take part in a 'Battle of Britain’ if they can overturn a 1-0 first leg deficit against Astra Giurgiu. The Highlanders have been drawn to play against the winners of West Ham United FC vs. Birkirkara.
SELECTED FIXTURES
Champions League Third Qualifying Round
Celtic/Stjarnan vs. Qarabag/Rudar Pljevlja
Europa League Third Qualifying Round
Inverness Caledonian Thistle/Astra Giurgiu vs. West Ham/Birkirkara
Aberdeen/HNK Rijeka vs. Alashkert/FC Kairat
Champions League third qualifying round first leg dates are 28 and 29 July, with the return on 4 or 5 August.
Europa League third qualifying round first and second qualifying dates will be played on 30 July and 6 August.