CELTIC'S joy at the prospect of another "Battle of Britain" against Manchester United has been tempered by the likely loss of Scott McDonald for Sunday's Old Firm derby.
Yesterday's Champions League draw paired the Clydesdale Bank Premier League champions with Sir Alex Ferguson's men in the group stages for the second time in three seasons.
After drawing AC Milan last season, Hoops fans will relish seeing their he
roes pit their wits against the European champions for the second year running.
But they will be less happy to hear their star striker all but rule himself out of this weekend's crunch clash with Rangers because of a groin tear.
Speaking after the Champions League draw, McDonald claimed he would be back in time for the big European kick-off but added: "I think the Rangers game comes just a couple of days too early for myself."
The 25-year-old Australia forward, whose goals helped fire Celtic to the SPL title last season, picked up the injury on international duty last week.
It was initially thought to be a minor one but scans revealed the true extent of the problem and the player is bracing himself for a watching brief this weekend.
The loss of McDonald would be a huge blow to manager Gordon Strachan, with strike partner Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink also set to be sidelined with a deep gash to his leg.
The duo netted 51 goals for the club last term and their absence would put pressure on Georgios Samaras and recent signing Shaun Maloney to lead the line against Rangers, with Strachan having few alternatives.
McDonald, meanwhile, is looking forward to the challenge of Group E opponents United, Villarreal and Aalborg when the Champions League gets under way.
Of the United matches, he said: "They're going to be fantastic games, obviously.
"Two teams, Scotland and England, the rivalry already. In recent years we played against them and we got a victory over them once and they beat us at their ground as well. "It all bodes well for a great atmosphere and great game as well and hopefully we can give that to the public."
Chairman John Reid was stunned by the draw, revealing it took place moments after he had met delegates from his club's forthcoming opponents.
He said: "The three people we were talking to before the draw were Sir Alex Ferguson, the United people, Villarreal and Aalborg and we got the three of them there."
Reid cannot wait for the United clashes, saying: "We seem to make a habit of drawing the European champions!"
The full article contains 440 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
