Celtic go to Milan all square

GLASGOW - GORDON Strachan has urged his players to believe in themselves and achieve one of the greatest results in Celtic history: To knock AC Milan out of the Champions League in a fortnight's time.

The Scottish champions hung on for a 0-0 draw on Tuesday, continuing a remarkable record of losing only once at Celtic Park in 20 European matches.

But, on the road in four seasons' worth of Champions League games? One draw in 12 games, and a woeful 11 defeats. That means the trip to the San Siro could end in humiliation.

'Not many people will be putting too much money on us to beat them at the San Siro, but stranger things have happened in football,' Strachan said.

'On our will not to get beaten, I give my players 10 out of 10. For technical ability, five out of 10.

'But, if you can draw with Milan, a top side with top players, imagine what you could do with a little more belief in yourselves.

'We need only one lucky goal. We need to believe a bit more but that will come.'

One major positive for Celtic is that they managed to avoid conceding an away goal.

This means a scoring draw would be enough to take them into the last eight.

The other plus was how Strachan's youngsters acquitted themselves. The back four's average age was in the low 20s. And 19-year-old Evander Sno played well in the heart of midfield.

Celtic were resolute, but Milan left the field sure that they belong on a higher plane. Carlo Ancelotti's side were at their most superior in the 26th minute.

Andrea Pirlo robbed Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, and the move swept on.

Kaka then sent Alberto Gilardino clear, but goalkeeper Artur Boruc managed to deflect the shot with an outstretched leg.

Milan goalkeeper Zeljko Kalac's work was more routine, dealing with a 40th-minute set-piece from Shunsuke Nakamura.

Celtic's composure would have cracked had former Rangers midfielder Gennaro Gattuso scored, instead of brushing the post with a shot in the second half.

'We have more of a chance after this game and I am confident we can go through,' said Ancelotti.

'I was happy with the performance. We tried everything in attack and that is what I wanted.'

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE