Pearson relishing Old Trafford trip

Celtic midfielder Stephen Pearson has no hesitation in declaring the Champions League showdown with Manchester United at Old Trafford the “biggest game of his career”.

The Bank of Scotland Premier League champions will head south on September 13 for the Group F clash.

And Pearson, who faced Barcelona in the Nou Camp three years ago, cannot wait for the date to come round.

“I have never played in the Champions League before so this will be my biggest ever game,” he enthused.

Celtic will also meet Benfica and FC Copenhagen in the group and Pearson believes the draw has been favourable.

“We have played them (United) a few times over the years and they are going to be interesting games,” he added.

“We have a difficult group but travel wise it could have been worse.

“We are looking forward to it and we know we will give anyone a tough game at Parkhead.

“We will give it our best shot. United are a great side with world class players but on the night you never know what could happen. We have nothing to lose in this group.”

Pearson will be part of the squad having pledged his future to the club after an uncertain summer.

The 23-year-old looked set for a move to Derby after they claimed an offer their bid had been accepted.

But manager Gordon Strachan assured him he was a big part of his future plans and that was good enough for the Scotland international, who scored on his return to the starting 11 in the draw at Inverness last week.

“The manager reassured me I was part of his plans,” said Pearson.

“I have been waiting for 90 minutes, I have got them and now I want to build on last week

“There were a few things in the pipeline but the manager spoke to me about the speculation.

“I am happy to stay at Celtic because this is where I want to play.

“I never spoke to anybody and the manager never wanted me to go which was good for me.

“He cannot guarantee any player a first-team place so you have to show in the training pitch and when you’re playing, that you deserve to be there.

“The manager said he never wanted to let me go so that was nice to hear.”