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Repeat performance for Champions League  Celtic
will be in familiar territory when they embark on their forthcoming Champions
League campaign.
The Bhoys have been drawn with last year’s group opponents Benfica
and holders AC Milan who they faced in the second round.
Shakhtar Donetsk, who Celtic faced in the group stage in 2004, complete
Group D.
Knowing what they are up against and with a decent record against all
three teams Celtic should be confident of progressing as group runners-up
behind Milan.
The Hoops held the Italian giants across two legs before being beaten
by a Kaka goal in extra-time.
Although beaten 3-0 in Portugal last year Celtic defeated Benfica by the
same scoreline in Glasgow.
The Portuguese have made a stuttering start in their domestic league but
have spent big in the summer, splashing out around ?30million to bring
in 14 new players including former Celtic target Freddy Adu.
Shakhtar embarrassed Celtic 3-0 when they met in the Ukraine in 2004 while
Celtic rode their luck to record a 1-0 victory in the tie at Celtic Park
against 10 men.
The Ukrainians relinquished the title to Dynamo Kyiv last season but are
currently top of the table and undefeated after eight games.
Commenting on the draw manager Gordon Strachan said: “Looking at
the Milan and Benfica squads there aren’t too many changes from
last season and that means we know what we are facing in those games.
“I’ve never been up against Shakhtar but the club has been
in Donetsk recently and we’ll have a look at them over the next
few weeks.
“Obviously it’s a tough group and we probably wouldn’t
have wanted to be drawn against the two sides that we faced last year,
AC Milan and Benfica.”
On the domestic front Celtic host Inverness next Saturday after the international
break.
Caley are without a point this season and have managed only two goals
in their five games so three points should be on the cards for the Hoops.
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