Paul Hartley has backed Celtic finally to overcome their travel sickness in the Champions League when they visit Aalborg BK next week.

The Scottish champions have never registered an away win in the tournament and just two points from their opening four group games mean Celtic have little hope of progressing to the last 16 for a third successive year, but Hartley has refused to give up hope.

"We're still in with a chance," insisted the midfielder. "We have to rely on Manchester United beating Villarreal but anything is possible and I'm confident we can win our two games. We know ourselves what we have to do.

"We try as hard as we can when we go abroad but there are no easy games in the Champions League. It won't be easy in Denmark but we'll give it our all."

Closer to home, Hartley is also keenly aware of the importance of maintaining their excellent form in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League when they face St Mirren this weekend.

Celtic have recovered from losing to Rangers in the first Old Firm derby of the season by winning 10 SPL games in a row following that 4-2 reverse. "Losing the derby game in August was a disappointment but we put it behind us and responded in the right way," said Hartley.

"The run won't go on forever but those points will account for a big chunk of our final tally and that will be important when the title is being dished out in May."