Celtic assistant manager Chris Davies has warned that Astana will be dangerous opponents for the Scottish champions but says they are prepared for a difficult tie.

The Kazakh side welcome Celtic to their stadium for the first leg of their Champions League qualifier on Wednesday and Davies said the coaching staff were aware of their European record at home.

Astana finished bottom of their section in last year's group stage but held their own against strong opposition in the matches at the 30,000 capacity Astana Arena. Galatasaray, Benfica and Atletico Madrid were all held to draws.

"We're expecting a really difficult game," Davies said. "They are a team that's obviously done well in the Champions League last year at home.

"They got points off some big teams.

"So we know it's going to be tough. The pitch looks a little bit quicker than the Red Imps'. It's still an Astroturf base but just a little bit quicker which could help our game."

Despite being wary of their opponents, Davies said Celtic were prepared and in good shape to take a positive result from the trip before the return leg in Glasgow next week.

"They're a physical team, they've got some quality so we're going to be right on our mettle to get the result," he said.

"We had the Leicester game and then we've been focusing on the game plan for Astana and doing a lot of work on that. We had a good session today and we're confident that we can do a job."

Davies revealed that Kristoffer Ajer was not travelling with the squad after suffering a thumb injury that will require specialist treatment. However, he was delighted with the signing of Kolo Toure, even though the defender is not fit enough to join the travelling party.

"I am really pleased," he said . "Obviously we worked with Kolo at Liverpool, he brings two things: he's a top defender who is good with the ball and he also brings a real authority and experience.

"He is an inspirational figure so we are not only getting a really good player but someone who can inspire players around them to help the team and younger players.

"He has been working with a personal trainer so it is an important week physically for him and we will see how it goes."