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Martin O'Neill exclusive: Celtic ‘fighting against tide’ in bid to regain lofty European status ahead of Champions League play-off tie against LASK TNT Sports on GoogleReact to this story Martin O’Neill believes Celtic are "fighting against the tide" as they attempt to build a squad capable of competing at UEFA Champions League level, with the veteran manager acknowledging the growing financial gulf between Scottish football and Europe’s wealthier leagues. Celtic are preparing for a crucial Champions League play-off tie against Austrian champions LASK at Parkhead on Wednesday - live on TNT Sports and HBO Max. In an exclusive interview on the eve of the contest, O’Neill told TNT Sports that the club face an increasingly difficult task when it comes to retaining their best players and replacing them with recruits of similar quality. Hopes of reaching the league format were dealt a blow earlier this week when midfielder Arne Engels joined West Ham - days before the home leg of their pivotal showdown worth a reported £22 million. Japan forward Daizen Maeda also joined Ipswich Town in July, while Celtic did secure a club-record £11m deal to sign Kasper Hogh from Bodo/Glimt. When asked what would constitute a successful European campaign, O'Neill took a realistic view in light of key personnel being sold and the recent struggles on the continent. "Naturally [it is] to try and qualify for the Champions League, that would be terrific," the 74-year-old told TNT Sports. "Just to experience some of those games at Celtic Park would be fantastic. "I've said often enough that way back since 1967, a marker has been set down and that's what Celtic should be aspiring to... playing big games in the Champions League. "Things have changed a lot since those days. Even in the last 15 years, the money situation is now so strong that teams in the Premier League, if you stay up you receive well over £100m. That is not the case here in Scotland. ”You're fighting against the tide an awful lot and then the minute that you look as if you can try and make a bit of progress in terms of players and players doing well for you, the next thing you know Arne Engels is off into the sunset. ”So you have to try and replace them again, maybe more cheaply, but trying to get the same sort of ability out of the next player coming through. ”Those are challenges but sometimes they're actually you just have to be ready for them, I think as much as anything.” For O’Neill, the financial landscape has changed dramatically since his first spell in charge of Celtic, when he assembled a side featuring the likes of Chris Sutton, Neil Lennon and Alan Thompson. The Celtic manager believes the gap between the Scottish champions and clubs in England’s top flight is now considerably greater than it was 25 years ago. ”I think that in terms of the financial situation, I don't think the difference was half as vast as it is now." The immediate objective is clear. Celtic are seeking to reach the Champions League proper, with O’Neill acknowledging both the sporting and financial significance of progressing through the qualifying rounds. ”I think the motivation for players and for the coaching staff is really very much to try and get through, to try and play in the Champions League. It would be lovely to get through in the competition.” The financial rewards would provide Celtic with greater strength in the transfer market, but O’Neill insists the money is secondary to the sporting ambition. ”It's a by-product of everything.” For a manager who was not even contemplating a return to Celtic a year ago, the prospect of leading the club into the Champions League is particularly striking. ”It was really strange," O'Neill added as he reflected on a turbulent 12 months. "I remember watching, [doing] punditry work on the second game, the qualifying game last year [against Kairat Almaty, which Celtic lost 3-2 on penalties]. "To think now a year on that I might be sitting in a managerial seat preparing for the game does take a bit of getting used to.” O’Neill is also aware of the scars left by last season's European disappointment. Celtic were knocked out during the qualifying process despite the progress they had made the previous campaign, a setback the manager believes took time for the club to overcome. Brendan Rodgers eventually resigned in October, while his replacement Wilfried Nancy lasted just 33 days in charge before being sacked. ”The game has a habit of doing this to you," continued O'Neill, who has seen it all before. "You think that you're going fine and then suddenly it's a complete and utter setback for you. That's what happened last season and I think it took time for the football club to get over that.” There is no hiding from the consequences of another failure, even though Celtic would still have European football to fall back on, with a place in the UEFA Europa League assured. ”We still have European football if we don't make it [into the Champions League] but there will be natural disappointment if we don't.” - How to watch Hull v Man Utd in the Premier League on TNT Sports and HBO Max - 'Lifeless' vs stable: Does Arsenal’s Community Shield triumph herald ‘changing of the guard’? - Arteta 'fighting with the Premier League' as Jesus, Martinelli and Nwaneri future talk swirls O’Neill, though, is determined to focus on the opportunity rather than the fear of failure. The rewards extend beyond the immediate financial boost. Champions League qualification could also strengthen Celtic's hand in the transfer market, giving the club an important advantage when attempting to convince players to move to Glasgow. ”We're ready to go regardless and let's see what happens," O'Neill said. ”For players who have not experienced Champions League football, there's always that expectation and Celtic Park is just an amazing place for Champions League nights. ”It is anyway, never mind the Champions League nights. But overall, yes, I think you're right. I think it is an incentive for players and, obviously, you're in a decent position then, if that's the case.” Ultimately, O’Neill's message is one of realism. Celtic may have considerable resources by Scottish standards, but the manager knows they are operating in a vastly different financial environment to many of the clubs they hope to compete with in Europe. The challenge is to find a way forward regardless. ”You work within the parameters which you're given, and you try and get on with it.” For O’Neill, that means attempting to bridge the gap, one signing, one European tie and one Champions League night at a time. Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this. Stream the Premier League, Men’s and Women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more on TNT Sports and HBO Max Related Topics