Donati: We Need McGeady On Top Form

Mar 2 2008 By Mark Guidi

Celts Can Do It If Mcgeady Can Outshine Barca's Stars Says Massimo Donati Barcelona V Celtic Tuesday, Kick-Off 7.45pm Live Itv

MASSIMO DONATI hopes Aiden McGeady can upstage Barcelona stars Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho on Tuesday night and inspire Celtic to a stunning Nou Camp victory.

The Italian midfielder knows the Hoops winger has the ability to cause the Spanish giants all sorts of problems.

And he reckons Celts can cause one of the all-time shocks in European football if the Irish international is at his brilliant best.

Gordon Strachan's men are 3-2 down from the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash but Donati isn't ruling anything out.

The former AC Milan midfielder said: "I said before the first leg I felt Barcelona were the best side in Europe and I stand by that.

"They have exceptional players and are capable of going all the way. Messi showed at Celtic Park what a fantastic footballer he is and will no doubt be the same in the return.

"I recently read an interview with Barca's Gianluca Zambrotta. He said that when Messi plays in front of 80,000 at the Nou Camp he treats it like a game of football down the park with his friends. That's how relaxed he is.

"But we can't think too much about him and have to focus on our own job.

"Aiden McGeady is a great player and I hope he can do what Messi does. I hope McGeady can be the main man on Tuesday and do it for us.

"We all know Barcelona are great going forward. But defence is their weakest area.

"It must be our aim to exploit that. We are not going to Spain for a holiday.We are going there to concentrate on the job in hand - and will try to return with the right result.

"In football anything is possible. We will work hard to win and qualify for the next stage of the Champions League."

Donati wouldn't be surprised if Frank Rijkaard's side weren't fully focused on Tuesday's clash. After their first-leg heroics Barca may feel they are through already.

Top Euro sides often become complacent when they face clubs from a smaller league and the 26-year-old wants to take advantage if the La Liga giants slack off. He said: "It is possible Barcelona might not be fully concentrated on their game against us.

"It can happen. It might be natural for them to think the hard work has been done. That can be a positive for Celtic.

"We have to remember we were beating them 2-1 at Parkhead.

"We have to take the good things from the first leg.

"We will go to Spain with nothing to lose and a clear mind. This is a crucial 90 minutes."

Donati didn't start in the first leg and hopes boss Strachan lets him loose in the Nou Camp. The Italian has been happy with his first season at Celtic Park and reckons he's hitting form again.

Donati said: "I started well then had some problems on the pitch andmy performances were not as good for a while.

"I am doing well again but there is room for improvement.

"My role in the team is to be more of a defensive midfielder but I would like to give myself more opportunities to get forward and into attacking areas."

Regardless of the outcome in midweek Donati is determined to overhaul Rangers in the SPL and claim a championship medal.

The s2.5million summer signing said: "Everything is positive just now and I'm enjoying my football.

"Beating AC Milan at Parkhead and scoring the winning goal against Shakhtar Donetsk have been the peak moments of my career. But I hope the next two or three months can be even better and we can go on to win the league.

"That would be the best moment of my career if we could achieve that. It would make me so happy.

"But I know we are facing a tough battle with Rangers to get the title."

Donati also has another focus and that is looking after month-old daughter Swami.

She was born in Glasgow and Massimo smiled: "Swami is so beautiful and keeps me busy.

"I just wish she would sleep a little more. She makes me happy and I'm enjoying my life.

"I like it at Celtic - the only thing I don't like is the weather. The supporters have also been great.

"They stop me in the street to talk and I only wish I was able to communicate with them better.

"I want to speak more English to show my emotions for them and the club. But that will come.

"My English is improving and I hope we can enjoy a party together at the end of the season.

"However, we will think about Tuesday night first of all and see what we can do against Barca."