Hamburg boss Bruno Labbadia has warned his players to expect a hot Parkhead reception when they take to the field in Thursday night's Europa League Group C clash with Celtic.

The German side, who stayed joint top of the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen after a goalless draw between the two teams on Saturday, arrived in Glasgow as favourites to win the matchday three fixture after recovering from a surprise opening game defeat to Rapid Vienna with a win over Hapoel Tel Aviv.

Celtic, with one point from two games against the same opposition, are desperate for the victory to maintain their fragile qualification hopes.

Labbadia, while accepting the difference in strength between the Clydesdale Bank Premier League and the Bundesliga, is anticipating a testing time for his players.

"There is a difference when you compare the Scottish and German leagues," the former Bayern Munich and Hamburg striker said. "In Scotland there are maybe three or four strong teams whereas in the Bundesliga, if the first played against the 18th, anything can happen.

"But in Scotland, especially with Celtic, you can really see the tradition. The pitch is on fire when the teams come out and the atmosphere is wonderful. We are two very strong teams, two great teams with traditions and I think it will be a wonderful game."