Hoops ace fears Shak attack

Celtic have crossed swords with Champions League holders AC Milan this season but Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink believes Wednesday’s opponents Shakhtar Donetsk are the best they have faced.

The Hoops were two goals down within eight minutes in Ukraine and never recovered as they lost their opening group game 2-0.

But they defied the odds in their next game against Milan as Scott McDonald’s last-minute goal earned them a 2-1 victory.

That famous win was the latest in Celtic’s impressive home record in the tournament.

They have picked up just one point in 14 group games on their travels in the competition, but have won 11 and lost just once at Parkhead.

Shakhtar are up next and Celtic have already shown they can turn the tables on the big-spending Ukrainians.

Martin O’Neill’s side beat Donetsk at Celtic Park in 2004, two weeks after a crushing 3-0 defeat in eastern Europe.

But Dutch striker Vennegoor of Hesselink has warned that they cannot bank on another home win against such quality opposition.

“We have a great record at home but we have to beware, it’s not normal to win every game at home,” the Dutchman said.

“We have to stay focused. Shakhtar are a very good team.

“They had a really good game against us over there, and I think we have to be very careful because I think Shakhtar are the best team we have played.”

Celtic had a two-and-a-half-week break before the clash with Aberdeen but Vennegoor of Hesselink is not sure how useful that was in the preparations for the Shakhtar clash.

“It’s difficult because a lot of players are away a lot,” he said.

“People are in international games, we can’t train with the 11 players or the 15 players we want to play against Shakhtar.

“So it is difficult to train. I think the squad was complete for the first time on Friday.

“But it’s good to do some technical stuff during the week with some of the reserves.”

The Holland striker was not called up for international duty as he had just returned from a hamstring injury.

But he is determined to be available over the next few months as the Scottish Premier League champions face a crucial run of games.

“We need everyone for the important games until the end of December,” the 29-year-old said.

“It’s going to be a hard period but also an important one.

“We can create a distance between us and the rest in the number one spot and hopefully make the last 16 of the Champions League.

“We have a chance and that makes it an interesting period.

“Every player wants a good run of games in a row for fitness and sharpness.

“I had a long run until October when I was okay, then I got a succession of injuries, but I’m over it now and have to focus on the positive things now.”