Puyol: I Can Make Celtic Tie

Feb 3 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

BARCELONA skipper Carles Puyol last night insisted he hasn't given up hope of facing Celtic in the Champions League.

The classy Catalan defender tore a muscle in his right leg on Thursday when Barca beat Villarreal in the Spanish Cup quarter-finals.

He has been told to rest for between four and six weeks and that makes hima serious doubt for the last-16 Euro tie at Parkhead on February 20.

But Puyol insists he'll do everything he can to battle back in time for the first-leg showdown in Scotland.

He said: "It was impossible for me to carry on against Villarreal and I've been told I'll be out for four to six weeks.

"However, I've made it my challenge to reduce that time out of the team.

"My aim is to recuperate fully so I'm back to help the team in the key moments this season.

"Mentally, I'm prepared for a spell on the sidelines and the doctors want a calm rehab to avoid other problems.

"I desperately want to play in the Champions League games against Celtic and it's sad I've picked up this injury.

"I'm nervous about making the game in Glasgow."