Lucescu, whose 70 caps for Romania came before a colourful career as a coach, was technical director to his national side when Strachan helped Scotland to a 3-0 win at Hampden in 1986.

And the former Reggiana, Inter Milan and Besiktas coach, who is preparing his team for tomorrow's first Champions League Group D match against the Scottish champions at the RSC Olympiyskiy Stadium, recalled previous encounters with Scotland.

He said: "We drew 1-1 in Bucharest in the qualifiers for the 1976 European Championships when Gordon McQueen scored in the last minute and then we drew 1-1 in Glasgow in the return leg.

"When I was a very young coach in 1986 we played Scotland again and we lost 3-0 in Glasgow. Dalglish was playing, he was fantastic and Strachan played in that match also.

"I remember him very well not only from Scotland but from playing in England.

"He was like Nobby Stiles, the England player of 1966, a fantastic player, strong running with very good technique."

Despite spending £40million in the summer rebuilding his squad, Lucescu had no qualms about admitting Celtic's defence is better than his and he singled out keeper Artur Boruc as the one player he would like to have in his side.

He said: "Shakhtar and Celtic are two different teams. Celtic are more physical, organised and disciplined and play from the first moment to the last as their head coach used to do.

"They are better than us in defence. Gary Caldwell and Stephen McManus are two very powerful players so it will be difficult for us to score.

"If you are speaking about skill, Shunsuke Nakamura is a very good player.

"Massimo Donati and Scott Brown are playing very well but of them all, I would take Artur Boruc."

Shakhtar defender Darijo Srna appeared much more confident of his side starting off the group stages with a victory.

He said: "Celtic are a much better team than they were three seasons ago but so are we.

"Our team respects Celtic but, let me say again, I think we are better and we will try to prove it.

"Shakhtar are not easy to beat at home and we showed that three years ago when we beat them 3-0.

"It would be good for us not to lose or concede a goal but we need to score tomorrow.

"We have been in the Champions League for three seasons and we now have experience.

"We must not make childish mistakes because we want to go through to the knockout stages."