Strach Calls For Another Ben-Efit Match

Nov 4 2007 By Mark Guidi

GORDON STRACHAN'S most pleasing 90 minutes as Celtic manager came last season when his troops played Benfica off the park in a memorable 3-0 Champions League win.

Now he wants a repeat performance on Tuesday night against the Portuguese with Celtic in desperate need of three points.

Strachan said: "People often talk about that game and it possibly was the most complete performance of my reign. That's the way I want my team to play.

"We've had many other good results on our own pitch.We beat Manchester United with guts and determination.We also beat AC Milan but that was not as complete as the Benfica game.

"I have seen a lot of glimpses this season of what I want. There has been great variation and energy from my players - the 5-0 home win over Hearts, the second half at Falkirk.

"Then there was Aberdeen away and the home game against Spartak Moscow was a terrific attacking display.

"So we know what we want to do and that keeps us strong. I hope we can produce the stuff I want in midweek." Strachan believes Shunsuke Nakamura is the player to make Celtic tick.

And he will give the midfielder every chance to declare himself available after a knee injury.

The Celts boss said: "At the moment I'd say it's 50-50.

"Hopefully the wee rest Nakamura has had in the past few days and the treatment will have done him the world of good.

"He is a big player. He came off the bench against Milan and wasn't fully fit but still found Scott Brown with a fine pass. He sees and does things others can't."

Benfica were poor in the first half of the sides' last meeting but subjected Celtic to a torrid onslaught after the break before bagging the only goal late on.

Strachan said: "They started in a bland manner then upped their tempo amazingly. I'd love myplayers to produce that tempo on Tuesday. I just hope we win."

Strachan still has problems at full-back and said: "Mark Wilson and Joe Doumbe are working in the gymbut not ready to return.

We'll just get on with it. There is evidence Benfica don't travel well but I can't basemyplans on that."