Miller makes light of Euro opposition

Celtic youngster Liam Miller claims his team-mates do not fear anybody in today’s draw for the Champions League group stages – including Real Madrid and Manchester United.

They were taught a lesson by Alex Ferguson’s men in America during the summer, while the Spanish giants did likewise to United last season even before David Beckham arrived.

But having gone all the way to the UEFA Cup final last season and now clinching their place in the Monaco draw with a 5-0 aggregate win over MTK Hungaria, the Parkhead giants are far from worried about taking on Europe’s best sides in the opening group stage.

“I was happy enough with this result,” said Miller. “The main thing is that we are in the Champions League and we will look to go on from there.

“I suppose Real Madrid are the side we would like to play – it would be nice to play against them. We will just have to take it one step at a time and see how it goes.

“There is a definite difference playing top-class teams and the likes of the teams we have played this season in Europe.

“I don’t think the players here fear anybody though. These teams are really top class and we respect them, but this team doesn’t fear anybody out there.”

Miller impressed in last night’s less-than-convincing 1-0 second-leg win, with Chris Sutton hitting the target, and he is looking forward to the challenges that lie in wait.

“It is very flattering to think that I could play some of the best players in the world,” he added. “But I’ve got to take it one step at a time.

“I am just happy to play games and want to stay in the side, although there’s no doubt that going through to the Champions League is the highlight of my career.

“It’s nice to think that I could be playing some world-class players this season, but it’s just great to be playing and being in the squad.

“I have to just try and keep it going. The older lads have helped me, but it’s nice to have so many of the younger lads coming through as well.”

MTK Hungaria coach Sandor Egervari gave the Scottish side his blessing for the coming European campaign and went as far as to claim that they could go all the way to the final.

“I would like to congratulate Celtic and hope they do well in the Champions League,” he said. “Yes, they can go all the way to the final.

“They are ranked among the top clubs in the world and that is enough to suggest that they could do well – and they got to the final of the UEFA Cup last season.”