Former Celtic goalkeeper Gordon Marshall believes Artur Boruc will be key to the Hoops' chances of progression in the Champions League against AC Milan.
The Parkhead side jet off to Milan tomorrow morning for the second leg of their last-16 clash with the Serie A giants.
Following a goalless draw in the first game at Celtic Park the tie is finely poised and while Marshall believes AC Milan will offer a greater attacking threat on their own turf, he is sure the outstanding Boruc can keep them at bay.
The Poland international proved his class with a vital save from Alberto Gilardino in the first leg and while Marshall expects him to have a busier night in the San Siro he is confident Celtic's last line of defence can repel the Italians.
Marshall said: "Artur will be key for Celtic. Milan have proved they are a quality side and although they didn't create many chances at Celtic Park I'm sure it will be different in the San Siro.
"Boruc's defensive colleagues will all need to be on their toes over there."
Both halves of the Old Firm are involved in European action this week prior to their SPL clash on Sunday and Marshall believes Celtic have shown they have the mental capacity to be successful in the San Siro before taking on their oldest rivals.
He said: "It would be superb if both Old Firm sides got a result in their games and why not?
"They've been written off in a number of games but managed to come through.
"Celtic have a great resilience and mental strength and I can see them going through."
The Parkhead club may have one hand on the SPL title but Marshall does not believe that will affect the Old Firm clash at Celtic Park.
He said: "Both have a tough week with Europe and there's been an edge taken off as Celtic can't win the league on Sunday after Rangers' win at Hibs but it'll be a typical Old Firm game.
"I'm sure they will progress through in Europe and Sunday will take care of itself.
"Rangers will not want to lose and with Walter Smith being back there as manager again it adds a bit of spice but in terms of the league it just delays the inevitable.
"It's all about pride, you can lose 10 on the trot but if you lose an Old Firm game they all talk about that."
Following a goalless draw in the first game at Celtic Park the tie is finely poised and while Marshall believes AC Milan will offer a greater attacking threat on their own turf, he is sure the outstanding Boruc can keep them at bay.
The Poland international proved his class with a vital save from Alberto Gilardino in the first leg and while Marshall expects him to have a busier night in the San Siro he is confident Celtic's last line of defence can repel the Italians.
Marshall said: "Artur will be key for Celtic. Milan have proved they are a quality side and although they didn't create many chances at Celtic Park I'm sure it will be different in the San Siro.
"Boruc's defensive colleagues will all need to be on their toes over there."
Both halves of the Old Firm are involved in European action this week prior to their SPL clash on Sunday and Marshall believes Celtic have shown they have the mental capacity to be successful in the San Siro before taking on their oldest rivals.
He said: "It would be superb if both Old Firm sides got a result in their games and why not?
"They've been written off in a number of games but managed to come through.
"Celtic have a great resilience and mental strength and I can see them going through."
The Parkhead club may have one hand on the SPL title but Marshall does not believe that will affect the Old Firm clash at Celtic Park.
He said: "Both have a tough week with Europe and there's been an edge taken off as Celtic can't win the league on Sunday after Rangers' win at Hibs but it'll be a typical Old Firm game.
"I'm sure they will progress through in Europe and Sunday will take care of itself.
"Rangers will not want to lose and with Walter Smith being back there as manager again it adds a bit of spice but in terms of the league it just delays the inevitable.
"It's all about pride, you can lose 10 on the trot but if you lose an Old Firm game they all talk about that."
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