Balde: Celtic aim for top spot

Celtic defender Bobo Balde insists the Hoops will try to cap their historic Champions League last-16 qualification by beating FC Copenhagen on Wednesday to win Group F.

The Parkhead side complete their fixtures against the Danes knowing last month’s win over Manchester United at Celtic Park ensured their first appearance in the knockout stages of the tournament, which begin in February.

Celtic and United each have nine points and the Old Trafford side take on Benfica at home in their last group match.

After helping the Glasgow giants to a 1-0 win over Aberdeen in the Bank of Scotland Premier League, which stretched their lead over the Dons and Rangers at the top of the table to 16 points, the 31-year-old defender turned his attention to Europe.

He said: “I look forward to Copenhagen. If we win the group it will be more than we’ve ever done before but, as the manager says, the first thing we try to do every year is win the league.

“Then we try and get to the second stage of the Champions League and this time we’ve done it.

“Now we will go over there and try to win the group. That won’t be easy but we’re confident that it’s possible."