Celtic midfielder Evander Sno feels he is ready to step into Thomas Gravesen's shoes for the Hoops' Champions League match against Benfica tomorrow.

The former Feyenoord player deputised for the injured Dane in the Hoops' 4-1 win over Dundee United in the league yesterday.

And with Gravesen ruled out of the visit of the Portuguese side with a hamstring injury, the young Dutchman looks set to retain his place in the central midfield.

"I would love to start the game on Tuesday," Sno said. "I know that the coach has confidence in me and I thought I did well against United.

"It's a different challenge playing against Benfica, they are a much better team than United.

"But I am ready to stay in the team for that match, in fact, my feeling is that I am ready to be a regular in the first team.

"The manager told me that I would get games so it has not come as a surprise to me to get as many as I have done so early on. I think that if you work hard your chance will always come."

Manager Gordon Strachan is certainly confident the 19-year-old is up to the task.

He said: "I don't have a problem (playing him). I would love him to have more experience but we cannot do that so he has to get ready for it."