Fernandez confident Celtic will overcome defeat by United

CELTIC star David Fernandez believes his team-mates will restore lost confidence and banish the painful memory of losing to Manchester United with a “big performance” against Boca Juniors.

The Glasgow giants are still smarting after being taught a harsh lesson by Alex Ferguson's men on Wednesday morning.

That would have added to the anxiety of the supporters, who were already concerned with the lack of activity in the transfer market this summer despite finishing last season without a trophy. However, the Spanish playmaker is delighted that they have a quick chance to lift morale against one of the world's best sides.

Fernandez said: "The good thing is that we have another game to look forward to against Boca Juniors.

"It is another match against an excellent side and it is a chance for us to produce a big performance against a massive club."

The former Livingston player believes his team-mates can learn from the mistakes they made in the 4-0 defeat to United. "I thought we started well, but United had an early chance and they took it.

"We missed a penalty and then they scored a second. When that happened I thought it would be very difficult for us to come back into it.

"The first 30 minutes we played okay and I thought we were a bit unlucky.

"We had a couple of chances in addition to the penalty miss, but it is only a pre-season game and we have time to improve.

"It can be difficult during some of the game because you can feel your legs getting heavy, because we have been doing a lot of training, but it has gone well to date. I feel quite good and I'm happy with how things have gone."

Fernandez is confident that lessons will certainly be learned by the time they fly to Lithuania next week.

Last season's UEFA Cup finalists face Kaunus in the first leg of the Champions League second qualifying round.

He expects the Hoops to put the finishing touches to their preparations in Ohio and be ready because they have to be.

"Right now the focus is on America and on fitness," said Fernandez. "But when we get back to Glasgow this weekend then we will start to look towards the game next week.

"We have a good chance if we play to our full potential, but we know that we can't afford to have any slip-ups.

"It's been hard work so far, because at the beginning we were doing double sessions and a lot of running and a lot of weights, but this is one of the most important parts of the season because it sets you up for the whole campaign.

"I think we'll be ready for the game, because we know we have to be."