Can Celtic Out-Gun the Gunners & Progress to the Champions League?

Last updated : 07 August 2009 By Clydebuilt

Just like in the draw for the previous round Celtic have been drawn to play against the very side they wished to avoid. Now that we have managed to overcome the hurdle of playing the Russians, now we have to face arguably one of the best footballing teams in the World.

However, with the first leg to be played at Celtic Park we must be positive, nay confident that we can at least ensure the tie is alive going into the return leg at the Emirates Stadium. Although no dates for the first leg have been officially announced any fans with tickets for U2 at Hampden on the 18th of August must be hoping that the home leg is not on the same day!

Tony Mowbray had this to say about the prospect of playing against Fabregas and co.

"It's a tough draw for us but everyone at the club is looking forward to two games against one of the top sides in European football," said the Celtic manager, speaking exclusively to the official Celtic website.

"It's a glamour draw for both clubs and one that will certainly capture the imagination of supporters north and south of the border. We can all look forward to two fantastic European nights.

"I have huge respect for Arsene and the job he's done at Arsenal. He's had a lot of success at the club and has built a side that plays the game in the right way.

"They don't spend the millions on players that other English clubs do, but they play with a real style and always try to entertain. That's down to Arsene and his philosophies.

"It's a hard draw for us but we will go into the game fully-prepared and confident. The attitude and application of the players since I arrived at Celtic has been first-class, and their ability was there for all to see against Dinamo on Wednesday.

"We will be doing everything we possibly can to get to the group stages of the UEFA Champions League. The club has had a lot of success in the tournament in recent years and we will try to continue that."

Yours in Celtic