Barça test excites Strachan

Gordon Strachan believes fans of Celtic FC and FC Barcelona are in for two exciting nights when the clubs renew ties in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League. "We feel we can beat anyone we play against," he said. "Defensively it looks as though anyone can beat us as well, so it should be a great couple of games."

'Incredible achievement'
Celtic won all three Group D home games, including a 2-1 success against holders AC Milan, to progress to this round for the second time in as many seasons despite losing all three matches on their travels. Strachan called it "an incredible achievement" and urged his players to "use the memories of how we got to this stage" as a spur when they meet the Catalan giants. He continued: "We've played some terrific football to get here. We just need to sort out our away form – it might just be that our big away result comes in Barcelona."

Famous night
Celtic enjoyed one of their most famous European nights when they held Barça 0-0 at Camp Nou to reach the UEFA Cup quarter-finals in 2004, only for the Spanish outfit to exact a modicum of revenge by winning 3-1 in Glasgow the following term in the UEFA Champions League. It will be a much-changed Celtic side which takes to the field on 20 February, though. "We've got a young squad, some had never played European football until this year, and they'll look forward to the game," added Strachan.

'Wonderful footballers'
Turning his attention to the 2006 European champions, the Scot said: "They have some wonderful footballers – the good thing is they can't use them all at the same time. The one who excites most people now is young [Lionel] Messi. [Andrés] Iniesta is also a fantastic player, and their defenders are good." One of them, Barcelona captain Carles Puyol, said: "It's a good draw for us but we have to approach the tie with respect. Celtic are physical and defend well so it will be tough to score, but if we manage an early goal things will be easier."

Home advantage
Barcelona have just one victory from four home matches against opposition from Scotland – against Celtic's city rivals Rangers FC in the group stage – yet are pleased to be playing the second leg in Spain, on 4 March. Sporting director Aitor 'Txiki' Beguiristain said: "Celtic are strong at home and make the most of that, but playing the second game at home gives us optimism. I don't think we've been drawn against easy opposition, and we'll have to be very careful in Scotland where their fans create a spectacular atmosphere."