McDonald awed by ‘frightening’ Barca

CELTIC striker Scott McDonald is still drooling over the “frightening” firepower Barcelona had at their disposal during Wednesday’s Champions league win over the Hoops at Parkhead.

The Scottish champions lost 3-2 in the first leg of their last-16 encounter, leaving the Catalans firm favourites to go through to the quarter-finals in the return meeting at the Nou Camp on March 4.

Lionel Messi scored either side of a wonderful Thierry Henry goal to give the visitors the advantage, but the narrowness of the scoreline masked the gulf in class between the two sides.

Barca coach Frank Rijkaard was able to take off Deco, Ronaldinho and Henry after the break and bring on Xavi, Samuel Eto’o and Eidur Gudjohnsen.

“They were even better than I had thought they would be,” the 24-year-old Australia international said.

“You just had to look at their bench to see what they could bring on.

“It’s not every team that can bring on Gudjohnsen, Xavi, and Eto’o when a few of their other stars get tired.

“It was frightening to look at.

“They are exceptional and if we don’t beat them then they will go very close in the competition.”

McDonald, who has already scored 24 goals in his first season at Celtic Park since arriving from Motherwell last summer, is well aware of the awesome task awaiting the Hoops in the second leg.

He said: “I wouldn’t say a miracle (was needed to get through) but it will take a lot of hard work, belief and ability.

“It will be difficult going to the Nou Camp but it is exciting.”

Celtic turn their attention back to the Clydesdale Bank Premier League tomorrow when they take on St Mirren at Love Street.

The champions are four points behind SPL leaders Rangers, who should take all three points against bottom side Gretna on the same day.