McGeady and Naka can be Celtic's Champions League weapons

Sep 14 2008 By Mark Guidi

SHAUN MALONEY reckons Celtic can be counter-attack kings in the Champions League this season.

The Scotland star believes boss Gordon Strachan has the ideal weapons to hit the Euro giants on the break in Aiden McGeady and Shunsuke Nakamura.

And after netting in the Hoops' 4-2 win over Motherwell at Fir Park yesterday, Maloney hopes some lightning raids can see them through a tough group involving Manchester United, Villarreal and Danish side Aalborg.

Maloney was a part of the side that destroyed Benfica 3-0 at Parkhead two years ago and played some lovely stuff on the counter.

So he'd love more of the same on Wednesday night when Aalborg come to Glasgow for the first Group E game.

Shaun said: "Every group is hard but it's going to be the home form that matters.

"We had Copenhagen two years ago and Aalborg will also be a decent side. It will be a hard match but we'll be looking for a win.

"We can qualify. There will be times when we're going to use rapid counter-attacks with Aiden and Naka.

"Aiden has always had ability. I haven't been back from Aston Villa that long but he's one of our best players.

"If he creates and plays well then there's a good chance the team also plays well.

"We're going to have to defend in Europe and counter-attacking will be massive.

"We played that way against Benfica. Kenny Miller scored a couple of them and one was on the counter.

"But this is a new game. If the team starts well and the crowd gets behind us it can be daunting for the opposition."

Maloney walked away from the chance to face Milan in the last 16 after leaving Celtic for Villa in January 2007.

He hasn't played in Europe since a memorable Nakamura free-kick beat Manchester United to set up that clash with the Serie A side.

And Shaun said: "I was quite envious of Celtic's Euro nights.

"When I left they played Milan in the last 16 and came quite close to beating them.

"I was disappointed not to be involved and that was a big part of my decision to come back."

The 25-year-old has been pleased with the way fans and staff have treated himsince his return from Villa last month.

And he hopes Celtic can bounce back from their recent Old Firm defeat to enjoy success at home and abroad.

He said: "The reaction of the fans was my big fear.

"But I was possibly a bit paranoid because I got a great welcome against Falkirk.

"Losing to Rangers was disappointing but it's great to be back. All the people I knew before were welcoming.

"The chance of playing more and being back in the Scotland squad was a big factor. It was a bitter blow being left out for the Northern Ireland game.

"You don't deserve to be in the squad if you're not playing regularly.

"If I start getting into the Celtic team regularly I can look to do the same with Scotland."

Big games are coming thick and fast now and Maloney can't wait to take on Europe's best.

Shaun said: "Aalborg are a good side and so are Villarreal.

I didn't play against Villarreal when they knocked Celtic out of the UEFA Cup in 2004. I must have been injured.

"But I watch Spanish football and they're a strong outfit.

"Then there is Manchester United who were the best team I faced down south.

"But I hope I can do better against them with Celtic."