Vennegoor starts for Celtic

Celtic striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink recovered from his hamstring injury to start the first leg of the Champions League last-16 tie against AC Milan at Parkhead.

Kenny Miller, with three goals in the competition so far, came in for Craig Beattie whose hamstring injury ruled him out.

With Steven Pressley and Paul Hartley ineligible, manager Gordon Strachan drafted in Darren O’Dea to partner Stephen McManus in defence and Evander Sno to replace Hartley in midfield. Aiden McGeady also came in, at the expense of Jiri Jarosik.

Defender John Kennedy was on the bench for Celtic, in with a chance of making his first senior appearance since sustaining a major knee injury on his Scotland debut against Romania in March 2004.

Milan legend Paolo Maldini, 38, was making his 100th Champions League appearance.

The 2005 finalists were without the cup-tied Ronaldo and started with Alberto Gilardino as their lone striker, supported by Brazilian playmaker Kaka.