The Bhoys are runaway leaders in the Bank of Scotland Premier League, but a positive result in the last 16 of the Champions League against the Rossoneri would be their most significant achievement in recent years.

Celtic go into tonight's match against the six-time European champions after a goalless first leg at Parkhead a fortnight ago.

"I hope that tonight we will see the real Celtic," said Strachan.

"Games like this test you.

"This team has been a credit to the club and they have a right to be here.

"My players have shown a lot of belief this season by winning lots of games.

"We will trust each other when we go tonight. There is the fear of getting beaten and we don't want to get beaten, we must have confidence in our quality."

Confidence is in fact so high in the Celtic camp ahead of their biggest game of the season that Strachan has suspended Tuesday's evening training session at the San Siro.

"We trained on Sunday and on Monday," he said.

"I decided to give my boys a break.

"I believe it is a right thing to do.

"The intensity of Monday's training was just right.

"It's not like we are going to put our feet up, we will use the hotel facilities."

While Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti revealed he is worried about Celtic's strength in set-pieces, Strachan believes his men can handle the Rossoneri in that department.

"I really don't see that as a problem for us," he said.

"I feel my players know what they have to do, we have done it in the past.

"We are strong in the air and perhaps I will have to remind my players but I think they know what they had to do."

Veteran midfielder Neil Lennon believes his team-mates can barely wait to step out on the San Siro pitch.

"The boys know they have to concentrate for 90 minutes," he said. "We are well prepared, we are really excited about it.

"Tonight it is about the team, it is always about the team.

"We know we must take advantage of our chances and there are plenty of players that are capable of making the difference."

The good news for Strachan is that defender Stephen McManus is fit to play.

McManus limped off during Saturday's 2-1 win over Dunfermline with a groin strain.

"He will be all right," said Strachan. "I was happy with what he did in training."

As for Milan, Ancelotti has reiterated ahead of the encounter that his team are not favourites.

"We are not," said Ancelotti.

"My biggest concern is that Celtic can create lots of problems for us.

"They are a physical side, good at set-pieces and very dangerous in the air.

"We have the quality to win but we need to prove it on the pitch.

"I expect my team to control the play."

Ancelotti believes his team will face a bigger battle than back in the 2004 when his side comfortably beat Celtic 3-1 in the group stages.

"This Celtic side has more quality and better technique than back in 2004," he said.

"We must play as well as we can, with confidence and belief for all 90 minutes.

"One goal may be sufficient but maybe not, perhaps we may concede one and react."