The Dutch striker admits the strong tradition of his countrymen starring for the Catalan giants had an impact on him from an early age.

And the 29-year-old told how he picked Barca above Ajax, PSV Eindhoven and every other Dutch club to be the side he supported as a boy.

Celtic will take on Barca at Parkhead in the Champions League last 16 on February 20, and then travel for the away leg which takes place on March 4.

The Hoops frontman grew up watching the likes of Ronald Koeman star for Barcelona, with his fellow Dutchman Johan Cruyff managing the side.

Vennegoor of Hesselink caught the Barca bug when he visited the city to see a Barcelona-supporting friend.

He told Celtic View: "As a youngster I didn't really support any side in Holland. It was always Barcelona for me - because of my friend and also because of the Dutch connections.

"There is a big Dutch history at Barcelona and they are a big club back home.

"I visited the Nou Camp once before for a tour when it was empty. I'm really curious to see what it is like when it is full."

Although he describes the Barcelona tie as "the perfect draw", Vennegoor of Hesselink admits the priority for Celtic must be their defence of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title.

Rangers have moved in front of Celtic and have a game in hand, and Vennegoor of Hesselink is hoping their lead can be overhauled.

"There are a few players in the team who haven't experienced winning the league with Celtic," he said. "They have asked what it's like and I told them it's the best feeling because you work for it all season."

With less than five months remaining until Euro 2008, the Celtic frontman is desperate to impress and nail down a place in the Holland squad.

The Dutch will be seeking their first major trophy since Euro 88, and Celtic's big striker is eager to feature.

He said: "If I play well for Celtic and be important for the team, there is a chance I could be involved in the European Championships. I would love to get an invitation."