Juninho pledges to rescue Celts' Euro dreams

Juninho has told Martin O’Neill that he is the man to revive Celtic’s Champions League dreams.

Celtic need maximum points from the double-header with Shakhtar Donetsk after losing their opening two group games against Barcelona and AC Milan.

The Brazilian playmaker was disappointed to start the game on the bench in Italy but having been thrust into the limelight by an injury to Alan Thompson, the former Middlesbrough man feels he can inspire two Champions League wins.

“I am always looking to play and I am working to play in Ukraine,” said Juninho. “With so many good players it is up to the manager to pick his first XI that he thinks will do the job.

“Everybody wants to play in the Champions League and I am no different so I am looking forward to this one. The next two games are key for Celtic to stay in Europe and I think I can help us revive our hopes.”

Celtic need to take at least a point in Donetsk next week to have any chance of even a consolation UEFA Cup place.

But O’Neill believes Shakhtar see Celtic as the weakest team in the group, having spent more than £9m (€13m) on Brazilian playmaker Matuzalem.

He said: “I am sure they consider us to be the weakest team in the group compared to Barcelona and AC Milan despite our recent efforts in Europe. They will feel this is an opportunity to get points on the board and rightly they should.

“They were unlucky against AC Milan at home, and then played well at stages in the Nou Camp.

“They have also got no points from two games so they will be fired up for this one, as we are. So this is going to be a tough test, no doubt about it and it shows you the task in hand when they sign a Brazilian for millions of pounds.

“We have proved in the last two games that we are a good side who are capable of getting results against some of the best teams in Europe.”

Celtic will be without Alan Thompson and Joos Valgaeren but Jackie McNamara and Bobo Balde should be fit.