Douglas set for Munich date

Robert Douglas is set to be thrown into the frontline for Celtic's crucial Champions League showdown with Bayern Munich after Magnus Hedman was injured in Celtic's 5-1 win over Dundee United at Tannadice on Saturday.

Scotland goalkeeper Douglas conceded six against Holland last Wednesday and looked shaky after replacing the Sweden international at half-time.

But he must rediscover his confidence quickly as Celtic boss Martin O'Neill admitted Hedman was doubtful for tomorrow's clash at Parkhead after sustaining a back injury.

"He had a back spasm and couldn't continue after half-time," said O'Neill. "We will see how he is but it was something he felt in the game."

But O'Neill gave the under-fire Douglas, who was blamed for several Dutch goals in Amsterdam, a vote of confidence after he conceded Celtic's first Premier League goal since September 27th. "He has took some flack and a fair amount of abuse," he added. "He is feeling very, very disappointing for the loss but I don't think he's caused Scotland their woes."

Celtic had the reunited front partnership of Chris Sutton and Henrik Larsson to thank for the points with Sutton's hat-trick and Larsson's brace keeping them five points clear at the top. Celtic's destruction of Dundee will give them a boost for their Champions League match against Bayern Munich. "The players are playing very well at the moment," said Celtic manager Martin O'Neill.

Champions Rangers kept in touch with Celtic when three goals in the last 13 minutes gave them a 3-0 home victory over 10-man Aberdeen. Stephen Hughes and Dane Peter Lovenkrands (twice) scored to cut Celtic's lead back to five points at the top of the table. Rangers go to VfB Stuttgart in the Champions League on Wednesday requiring a win to retain hopes of qualifying for the knockout stage.

But they are likely to travel without Spanish midfielder Mikel Arteta, who was carried off in the second half with a muscle injury. Defender Zura Khizanishvili and forward Nuno Capucho have both recovered from flu and will travel to Germany to offer some comfort to manager Alex McLeish. Striker Peter Lovenkrands is expected to be fit despite suffering a dead leg on Saturday.