Celtic seek first win away from home

Despite the many European glory nights over the past three seasons, Martin O’Neill was still searching for his first Champions League victory away from home tonight.

But many felt they had as good a chance as any to set that record straight against the injury-hit Belgium side in the impressive Stade Constant Vanden Stock.

Celtic’s hopes of adding to their three Group A points were also enhanced with the return of Chris Sutton from a hamstring injury – to replace Liam Miller - and the recovery of Alan Thompson and Stanislav Varga from knocks picked up in the 5-0 massacre of Hearts

The Glasgow giants were flying high having comfortably beaten Craig Levein’s men, arch rivals Rangers and Lyon in their last three matches.

But despite Anderlecht’s much-publicised problems and solitary point so far in their Champions League Group A campaign, they were also sitting on top of their respective league and were boosted by the presence of skipper Glen de Boeck in defence.

The veteran passed a fitness test having suffered an ankle injury in their victory at Charleroi and he was partnered by youngster Vincent Kompany instead of Hannu Tihinen, who was on the bench having only just returned from a lengthy injury lay-off.

The selection of controversial referee Fritz Stuchlik was undoubtedly a bigger concern for O’Neill, and in particular Jackie McNamara, after he was dubiously adjudged to have conceded a penalty for Scotland against Lithuania.