Leandro Trossard has previewed Besiktas’ Europa League encounter at Celtic Park on Thursday evening.

A Premier League winner and Champions League finalist with Arsenal last season, the Belgian made the surprise switch to Istanbul over the summer as one of many high-profile additions to the Turkish Super Lig. He started as the Gunners took PSG to penalties back in June, assisting Kai Havertz’s opener.

He will make his return to the UK on Thursday as Martin O’Neill’s side look for their first points on the board of a European campaign which has been desperately disappointing so far.

Speaking ahead of the match, Trossard conceded that he expected a ‘loud and crazy’ atmosphere at Celtic Park, albeit the chances of that are limited by the ongoing boycott by the Green Brigade.

Leandro Trossard on Celtic: ‘It will be very tough’

Trossard said ahead of the game: “We want to get three points from the Celtic match. It will be very tough. They have loud and crazy fans but if we can translate what we want on to the pitch, then we will win. 

“Our fans should continue their support. It would be great if they increased this amazing backing. “People don’t pay any attention to it, but the support from the fans is incredibly effective in difficult times.

“We have won matches with their support.  They can be sure that if they continue to get behind us, we will win even the toughest matches.

“I’m very excited and we want to reach the top in Europe. The decisive factor is the draw and the team’s performance during these next  few games.  Our current goal is to be in the top eight. After that, we just need to see how things progress.

“Every player wants to win trophies and to be champions. They want to be at the top at the end of the league. We want to reach the best possible position in Europe and there’s also the Turkish Cup. 

“Besiktas aims for trophies in every competition.  We have got this potential and we can do it. There were matches where we could have played better, but there’s a new coach, a new team, and an adaptation process.  I know we can do better things.”