Celtic manager Gordon Strachan believes meeting familiar opponents in the group stages of the Champions League will, if nothing else, help ease their preparations.
The Hoops were drawn with holders AC Milan, Benfica - whom they both faced last season - and Shakhtar Donetsk.
Celtic reached the last 16 of the tournament last season when they were knocked out 1-0 on aggregate by Milan after extra-time in the San Siro.
Prior to that they had beaten the Portuguese at home and lost away in the group stages.
They also have recently played Shakhtar Donetsk, in 2004/05, losing 3-0 away and winning 1-0 at home.
"Obviously, it's a tough group and we probably wouldn't have wanted to be drawn against the two sides that we faced last year - AC Milan and Benfica," said Strachan.
"The fact that they are both good teams makes you think that way, but it's also for the fans. They would probably like to have seen us playing some new teams.
"The benefit is that we know what we are up against. We know the hotels, the flights, the logistics of going to all three places, because Celtic have been there in the last three or four years."
Strachan added on the club's website, www.celticfc.net: "Looking at the Milan and Benfica squads, there aren't too many changes from last season and that means we know what we are facing in those games.
"I've never been up against Shakhtar but the club has been in Donetsk quite recently and we'll have a look at them over the next few weeks."
Celtic chairman Brian Quinn admitted reaching the group stages was hugely important for the club - specifically the supporters.
"It gives the fans the feeling they belong at the top level," Quinn told Sky Sports News.
"They're great support. They deserve it and we'll do all we can for the support."
Quinn played down expectations of another run beyond the group stages of the competition, saying: "I'm a cautious man. I'm often criticised for being cautious.
"It certainly won't be for a lack of trying. We'll try all we can to get to the last 16 and perhaps beyond - who knows?"
Celtic reached the last 16 of the tournament last season when they were knocked out 1-0 on aggregate by Milan after extra-time in the San Siro.
Prior to that they had beaten the Portuguese at home and lost away in the group stages.
They also have recently played Shakhtar Donetsk, in 2004/05, losing 3-0 away and winning 1-0 at home.
"Obviously, it's a tough group and we probably wouldn't have wanted to be drawn against the two sides that we faced last year - AC Milan and Benfica," said Strachan.
"The fact that they are both good teams makes you think that way, but it's also for the fans. They would probably like to have seen us playing some new teams.
"The benefit is that we know what we are up against. We know the hotels, the flights, the logistics of going to all three places, because Celtic have been there in the last three or four years."
Strachan added on the club's website, www.celticfc.net: "Looking at the Milan and Benfica squads, there aren't too many changes from last season and that means we know what we are facing in those games.
"I've never been up against Shakhtar but the club has been in Donetsk quite recently and we'll have a look at them over the next few weeks."
Celtic chairman Brian Quinn admitted reaching the group stages was hugely important for the club - specifically the supporters.
"It gives the fans the feeling they belong at the top level," Quinn told Sky Sports News.
"They're great support. They deserve it and we'll do all we can for the support."
Quinn played down expectations of another run beyond the group stages of the competition, saying: "I'm a cautious man. I'm often criticised for being cautious.
"It certainly won't be for a lack of trying. We'll try all we can to get to the last 16 and perhaps beyond - who knows?"
Copyright (c) Press Association
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