ARSENAL have been drawn to face Celtic in an all-British tie later this month to reach the Champions League group stage.
Celtic, following their victory over Dinamo Moscow earlier this week, face the daunting task of Arsene Wenger's men.
The first leg will be in the week after the Barclays Premier League starts.
It is the first time the two clubs will meet in European competition and the prize will be a path to the lucrative stage of the competition.
"They would have wanted to avoid each other," said former Celtic and Arsenal striker Charlie Nicholas.
"But Celtic fans would be happy because after their last two games they would fancy playing anyone. It was a very good performance in Russia.
"For Arsenal, the concern is the lack of players they've brought in and injuries. I think it will be very tight."
Former Arsenal captain and Scotland international Frank McLintock believes the Gunners must show no fear in the first leg at Celtic Park.
Glasgow-born McLintock supported the Bhoys as a youngster, but would go on to guide Arsenal to their Inter-Cities Fairs Cup final win in 1970, and then help the English club to secure a domestic double the following season.
McLintock, 69, believes Arsenal should put on a strong showing to secure a result to defend back at Emirates Stadium.
He told Press Association Sport: "It will be a cracking tie because the Celtic supporters are so noisy and passionate.
"But if you are going to get anywhere in these types of competitions, we never used to worry about whether we were playing away from home first or not.
"There seems to be a lot of talk about that in modern day football, but I do not know why because it never entered our minds.
"We just gave our best in every performance, played it tight and tried to attack when we could."
McLintock, though, stressed: "Arsenal will have to be on their toes because Celtic have got a great home record over the years, but it was their away record, until the other day, which was one of the worst in Europe."
The play-offs were divided into two groups, with Lyon's clash against Anderlecht among the "non-champions" ties. Romanian side Timisoara face Stuttgart, Sporting Lisbon and Fiorentina will play each other, while Panathinaikos or Atletico Madrid will make up the other teams that go through.
From the "champions" route, FC Sheriff play Olympiacos, Salzburg are up against Maccabi Haifa, FK Ventspils face FC Zurich, FC Copenhagen and APOEL of Nicosia face each other, with Levski Sofia and Debrecen the final two teams.
Celtic first-team coach Mark Venus admitted it was the draw he wanted to avoid.
"I think realistically it's the draw that we probably wouldn't have taken of the five teams," he said.
"But we've got to look forward to it, enjoy it and relish it.
"I think it's a great draw for Scottish football. It's going to be a great game, a great European night."
Of Arsenal, he added: "I think they're a talented bunch of footballers.
"They're a totally technical team, very patient in the build-up."
He added: "I hope they'll maybe underestimate us.
"This is a big club, we've got some good footballers, there will be a big crowd.
"I don't think they'll underestimate us."
Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia feels it would be a "tragedy" were the Gunners not to qualify for the group stages.
"It is vital for the club, not only for the prestige, but also for the money," said Almunia, speaking to Arsenal TV Online before today's draw.
"The fans need the team to be in the Champions League, because that is where Arsenal deserve to be every year.
"It would be a tragedy not to be in the Champions League this year.
"There are many good teams in the draw, but we are the best."
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