Celtic v AC Milan: Celtic manager Martin O'Neill admits he is envious of AC Milan and their massive spending power as he prepares his injury-hit team to face the Italian giants in the Champions League tonight.
O'Neill is desperate for a win over Milan at Celtic Park to prolong his club's European aspirations by qualifying for the UEFA Cup as the third-placed team in the group but he knows there is a widening gulf between the two sides.
"Basically, I would say that the very top clubs are getting stronger," he said. "When Milan announced their team (for September's game against Celtic at the San Siro) you could see the players coming out of that particular dressing-room and those that were sitting out watching, including guys like (Argentina striker Hernan) Crespo and that's not a bad choice to have. These big clubs have earned that right. But I admit I'm a bit envious they have supplemented their squad with absolute quality players."
O'Neill's team lost that fixture 3-1 and said his team selection for the vital return match in Group F has been hampered since three of his players are injury doubts.
"Didier Agathe (groin) trained this morning but he's probably doubtful. Stilian Petrov (ankle) has not trained at all and we'll wait until the last possible minute to make a decision on him. And as for Stevie Pearson (groin), he is doubtful."
Celtic are unlikely to draft in Brazilian Juninho, who has not featured since October 30th, but Henri Camara was a second-half substitute in Saturday's 2-1 win over Hibernian in the Scottish Premier League and looks certain to be in the squad.
Celtic must win to guarantee their European future this season and striker Chris Sutton is desperate for more European action after savouring some dramatic and glorious nights.
"It would be a massive disappointment if we're not continuing in Europe after Christmas," he said. "We know what we have to do and we know how difficult it is going to be but we will be going all out for a victory."
Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk are bottom of the group with three points, a point behind Celtic, but they have a better head-to-head record and would qualify if they draw with visiting Barcelona and Celtic lose or if they win and Celtic draw.
In Group G the key issue to be settled is the fate of Valencia and Werder Bremen, one of whom will join Inter Milan in the knockout phase.
Inter cannot finish lower than second but are unlikely to have to worry about that anyway as they face Anderlecht at home having won 3-1 in Belgium in September.
Anderlecht are also likely to have to field third-choice goalkeeper Jan Van Steenberghe after reserve goalkeeper Daniel Zitka broke his arm in training on Sunday to joint first choice Tristan Peersman (Achilles) on the injury list.
Werder travel to Valencia needing just a point to qualify - while Valencia can go through by virtue of a 1-0 win or a two-goal advantage after losing 2-1 in Germany in September.
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