Larsson bent on beating Bayern

By Tom Rollett

While Celtic FC's memorable journey to the UEFA Cup final last season will live long in the hearts of the club's legion of passionate fans, the Scots' success is now proving a double-edged sword, believes striker Henrik Larsson.

New challenge
The Bhoys prepare to take on FC Bayern München in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, in a match that could determine the progress in the competition of both sides. But, says Larsson, Celtic's increased profile means they are no longer a surprise package on the European stage - and that is bringing its own challenges.

Known quantity
"It's different for Celtic this year," the Swede told uefa.com. "Last year some people may not have been aware of what we were capable of. It was an amazing experience getting to the final of the UEFA Cup, but it has raised our profile and other teams aren't going to take us lightly. I don't think we can take anybody by surprise."

Tactical nous
However, Celtic have adapted well to cope with the demands of Champions League football, believes Larsson. Where once they may have relied on pace and passion to steamroller their opponents, Martin O'Neill's men have now developed a new tactical prowess to their game.

Physical prowess
Larsson said: "There may have been a time when European sides found the pace and physical presence of British teams difficult to cope with, but I think that has all changed. You have to play football intelligently to be successful and be able to adapt your approach to different conditions."

Bayern threat
While Bayern may not have had the best starts to their Champions League campaign, Larsson is under no illusions about the size of Celtic's task. "Nobody is underestimating them," said Larsson. "Bayern are a very strong side, they were in the final a couple of years ago, they're fourth in the German league, and they have some very talented players.

Pitch battle
"German sides are always very well organised," he added. "They are not going to make too many mistakes, and so it's up to us to play our own game, the way we know we can, and see what happens. We are confident - we know that when we play at our best we are a very tough side to beat."

Injury worries
Both sides go into the match with injury worries - Bayern's Brazilian winger Zé Roberto and Celtic's goalkeeper Magnus Hedman are doubts - but the Glasgow giants have been boosted by the return to fitness of midfield prodigy Liam Miller - ”the only word I can use for him is tremendous,” said Larsson.

Next step
Victory for Celtic would see them progress to the knockout rounds if Olympique Lyonnais overcome RSC Anderlecht, but Larsson refuses to think that far ahead. The 32-year-old, in his final season with Celtic, said: "Everybody at Celtic would love to make it through to the next stage of the Champions League, but we're not thinking about that and are just keeping our minds totally focused on the next match.

Crucial lessons
"Last year gave us a lot of experience in Europe and we learned some valuable lessons," he said. "One of the crucial things we have discovered is to not think beyond the next game. We're now totally concentrating on running out onto the pitch against Bayern. Who knows how far we can go? All I can guarantee is that we will be totally prepared to face Bayern and cross the next bridge when we come to it."

Henrik Larsson's personal website is at www.icons.com