Boyd looks for end product

Former Celtic captain Tom Boyd believes the Scottish champions must sharpen up their finishing to stand any chance of causing an upset against AC Milan.

Celtic will travel to Italy for the second leg in a fortnight’s time with the scoreline in the Champions League last-16 tie goalless after last night’s Parkhead stalemate.

“Obviously now Milan will be overwhelming favourites,” Boyd told BBC Radio Scotland.

“They’ve got home advantage and they’re going to have the crowd with them as well.”

Kenny Miller failed to take advantage of the couple of chances which came his way last night, and was substituted during the second half, while Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink was well shackled by the Milan defence.

The second leg takes place on March 3 at Milan’s San Siro stadium, and Boyd said: “It’ll be backs to the wall.

“If Celtic get a chance they’ll need to take it because you’ve seen the quality of Milan in possession.”

Boyd, 41, spent a decade at Parkhead before retiring in 2002.

He was full of admiration for Celtic’s defensive effort last night, even if they were helped out by Alberto Gilardino’s poor finishing.

“Milan had by far the better chances, but as the manager (Gordon Strachan) says it was a young back four,” said Boyd.

“Young Darren O’Dea came in and did exceptionally well – and the key thing was they didn’t concede a goal, and that was vitally important to give themselves a chance.”