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Mika Baur has raved about the Celtic Park atmosphere as he made his home debut on Wednesday night. Baur was handed his first start by Martin O’Neill and looked comfortable from kick-off as the Hoops went on to seal a 3-0 win over LASK in the Champions League play-off first leg. The midfielder looked to find pockets of space and play the ball forward when the opportunity arose, showing exactly why the club were locked in transfer talks with Paderborn for so long. Baur spoke after the match about the atmosphere inside the stadium and couldn’t hide his enthusiasm. He said (TNT Sports): “The crowd was so loud from the beginning on. “It was even better to feel it in real life, not through what everyone told me. It was unbelievable: the feeling, the atmosphere, the energy.” Baur and his teammates now have six days before the return leg at LASK, and the 22-year-old knows that if they show more of the same, a place in the league phase of the Champions League awaits. “We did a great job but it’s just the first stop. With the same energy and mentality, we can do good.” The German U21 star was replaced by Reo Hatate after 65 minutes. Those watching wouldn’t be mistaken if they got the duo mixed up given the similarities in play style. Hatate’s future hangs in the balance after he rejected offers from elsewhere in hopes of landing a role at a club in one of Europe’s top five leagues. For now, he remains part of the squad and will offer cover for Baur in the centre of the pitch. The Celts can turn all their attention to the second leg in Austria given their league fixture this weekend has been rescheduled. As per SPFL rules, all Premiership clubs involved in European matches are given the option to postpone one specific league match to enhance their preparations for their tie; all five clubs participating have taken up that option this weekend. Supporters will already like what they see of Baur. If he can continue putting in performances as he did on Wednesday, there may be a new fan favourite on the horizon.