Hinkel targeting victory

Hinkel: Targeting victory

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Celtic right-back Andreas Hinkel says nothing less than victory against Hamburg in the Europa League will do.

The Hoops go into Thursday's clash at the Nordbank Arena bottom of Group C with just one point from their opening three games.

Opponents Hamburg are joint leaders with Hapoel Tel Aviv on six points, while Rapid Vienna are in third with four points.

Hinkel, who missed Hamburg's 1-0 win at Celtic Park last month, accepts that three wins in the remaining three games are needed for the Hoops to qualify out of the group.

He said: "The mathematics are simple. We know we have to win all three games left but it's not as if we were annihilated in the three games so far.

"All the games have been very tight and we could have won them all.

"We could have beat Rapid Vienna and we had equally good chances against Hapoel and Hamburg.

Tough game

"But I expect a very tough game against Hamburg.

"I think they are the favourites, they are playing at home and they have a decent side.

"But I saw the game at Celtic Park and we had a lot of chances.

"We just have to score more goals. We have created a lot of chances in the last few weeks and we haven't taken them.

"Hamburg didn't get a lot of chances at Celtic Park but they were cleverer than us that night.

"This time, we have got to be concentrated for the whole game - we can't play 'hurrah' football.

"We have to do the right things at the right time, make the right decisions and take our chances."

The game will be the first time the former Stuttgart and Sevilla right-back has taken on a German side since he left the country.

Opportunity

It will also provide an opportunity to press his claim for a spot in Joachim Low's squad for the World Cup finals in South Africa next year.

Hinkel added: "I am happy to be here. It is the first time that I have played against a German team since I left the country and so it is a special game for me.

"It is a game against a German team and all the people in Germany can see me, (which is unusual) because it is difficult to watch Scottish football here.

"My family and friends are coming to watch the game so I am looking forward to it."

While Hinkel knows he is under pressure to perform, he believes he can take it in his stride

"You always feel a little bit of pressure but I think I can handle this pressure," he said.

"It is one opportunity but it is just one game. I try to keep my levels high for the whole season in Scotland.

"That's all I can do and the rest is a decision for the Germany coach."