Maloney can become the golden Bhoy, says Hartson
The Wales international was ruled out of the Seville clash with Porto because of a slipped disc at the weekend, leaving the way open for the Scotland U-21 international to take over.
But Hartson insists nobody will be surprised if the 20-year-old is selected to start by manager Martin O’Neill. He said: “Someone will be the hero on Wednesday night and I’d love it to be one of our boys. If Shaun was to be called upon it wouldn’t be a problem for him.
“He has shown over the last couple of seasons that he does everything asked of him and more when he is called into the team.
“He has all the attributes of a top player and I’m sure he’ll go on to fulfil that potential because he has a great attitude, he works very hard on his game and if he is to get the chance the manager will have every faith in him.
“We’ve a great squad and we haven’t got this far without having top players, and Shaun comes into that category. However, whoever is called into the squad won’t let anybody down because everyone at the club is there on merit and has that desire to bring success to the club.”
Meanwhile, Didier Agathe insists his team-mates will not be holding back in the blistering heat in the Olimpico Stadium.
The temperature is set tobe well up in the 90s todaybut the winger still has no plans to take it easy against Porto.
“We will try to play our usual game,” insisted Agathe. “I am not too worried about the weather. It’s been a fantastic run and I don’t want it to stop now. Whatever the temperature is we will be doing everything we can to win the game.”
The Glasgow giants will also be spurred on by their travelling fans and Agathe believes they will turn the stadium into Celtic Park tonight. Over 40,000 Celtic supporters are expected to turn up, many without tickets which were yesterday selling for £1,000 on the black market.
Former Celtic star Danny McGrain believes Celtic will face another battle to keep manager Martin O’Neill if they beat Porto.
The Northern Irishman is the first Parkhead boss to take the club to a European final since 1970 and McGrain wants him to stay as much as the supporters. But despite signing a rolling contract in January, McGrain fears England’s top clubs will soon try to lure the former Leicester manager back south.
“I’m sure clubs will come knocking,” McGrain said.
“The decision what to do is up to Martin and we’re all hoping that he does stay because he has bred success at the club.What he has done has been phenomenal.”
McGrain is convinced Celtic will lift the UEFA Cup in Seville and believes they have already sent far better teams than Porto crashing out en route to the final.
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