Champions League: Stjarnan 'need best-ever performance'

Sigmundsson acknowledged his resemblance to Jurgen Klopp in the build-up to the game

Stjarnan boss Runar Pall Sigmundsson says every one of his players have to play their best ever game if they are to beat Celtic in the Champions League.

The Icelandic side go into the second qualifying round first leg at Celtic Park as heavy underdogs.

"There is a chance of victory, but we have to play our best game," said the head coach. "Every player has to play the game of his life.

"It will be difficult, but there is always a chance."

Stjarnan last season won three Europa League qualifiers - including a victory over Motherwell either side of triumphs over Bangor City and Lech Poznan.

But they then lost 9-0 on aggregate in the play-off round to Inter Milan, who later scraped through 4-3 against Celtic in the last 32.

"Celtic are a big team in Europe, we are a small team," said Sigmundsson, whose squad is made up mainly of students.

Former Motherwell goalkeeper Gunnar Nielsen is in line to face Celtic in Glasgow

"They are still preparing for their season, so maybe that is an opportunity for us, but we have not played so well this season."

Stjarnan have made a poor start to the defence of their domestic title, sitting sixth in the table after 11 games, nine points adrift of leaders Hafnarfjordur.

"This is a different type of game," he said. "I expect every player can lift their quality up and this can be a new point for our league performances.

"So I look forward to seeing what our players can do.

"It is the first time in the Champions League which is great for us so we are looking forward to playing this game."