I don't want to blow it

It is, after all, the last 16 of Europe's major competition and they are facing a side which has worn the crown of European champions six times.

What Strachan can't afford to do is lose because he selected the wrong side.

He readily admits he has made such errors already this season, notably against Manchester United in November, when, ironically, his team won 1-0 to qualify for the knockout stage for the first time in their history.

This victory was only pulled from the fire because Strachan recognised his mistakes, and made positive and effective personnel changes to correct them.

The nearer you get to the winning line in this sort of race, however, the odds against making up lost ground reduce dramatically. That's why so much time and effort has been expended on getting the correct team on to the field, and why he has considered every option for central defence.

Darren O'Dea is the man expected to come in. But film of recent reserve games - featuring comeback Bhoy John Kennedy and former Livingston loan star Scott Cuthbert - have been reviewed.

Consideration has also been given to moving Mark Wilson or Paul Telfer infield to partner centre-half Stephen McManus.

Strachan's major problem is that he has been trying to lay foundations on shifting sands. Just when he thinks he has established the 11 he wants to line up against Kaka, Pirlo, Cafu, Gattuso, Seedorf and Co, injury scythes it apart.

Nevertheless, he knows no one will have any sympathy for him if he gets it wrong. So, will the temptation to be bold instead of going for the obvious, the men most fans would select, be resisted this time?

He enjoys being considered the first manager to take Celtic to the knockout stage. He would not appreciate being branded the man who blew it because he took a risk which backfired. Riddle over new ref for Celts tie TERJE HAUGE UEFA have drafted in Norwegian whistler Terje Hauge to referee tonight's Champions League clash between Celtic and AC Milan.

German official Wolfgang Stark had been set to take charge of the last 16 showdown and Uefa officals were at a loss to explain the switch.

A spokesman said: "There has been an administrative change. I don't know why it has taken place."

Hauge took charge of last year's Champions League final between Arsenal and Barcelona.

Yet, when you are the underdog, taking risks is how you overcome the odds. And Celtic undoubtedly are second favourites, despite what fans fantasising about an Athens final appearance may choose to believe.

While confidence and belief are qualities to be admired, realism should never be their victim. Uefa's own rain-forest of literature about this tie includes the note no fewer than 10 players in Celtic's 25-strong squad have made their debut in the Champions League this season.

To expect them to make it a winning bow is to extend credibility beyond the borders of sense.

That's not to say they must capitulate at this point. But reaching the knockout stage has been a massive achievement in its own right - just ask Strachan's predecessor Martin O'Neill.

No matter what happens from here on, the co-efficient points - plus money - accrued thus far will provide a platform from which Celtic can build for future European campaigns.

That is Strachan's goal for this campaign, coming as it has, on the heels of the debacle against Artmedia.

Reaching the last eight - with Milan added to their list of scalps - would be a bonus. But it is one Strachan intends to pursue with vigour.

That does not blind him to the size of the task, however, as his nocturnal video viewing has confirmed. He said: "What I've seen of Milan recently, their form has been good. In fact, I've never seen them beaten in all the videos I've got.

"They are scoring goals, and look strong. They are a good team. And they are getting more relaxed as the season goes on, as they showed when they beat Siena 4-3 at the weekend. Mind you, I'm glad Ronaldo is ineligible..."

Even without the enigmatic Brazilian, and given Milan's other significant selection problems, Strachan appreciates what they will bring to the table tonight.

"They believe in their system," he said, with no little admiration. "But in my time here, we've played four teams in Europe. Each had a different system, and we have handled them. A lot is made about systems, but we don't want to confuse the players.

He continued: "If you have a good shape when you are defending and going forward, that should allow your half-decent players to play."

Cue Shunsuke Nakamura, one man Strachan would hate to be without for any big game, home or away.

The dead-ball magician has already shown the world why his manager rates him so highly by firing home stunning free kicks against Manchester United.

Unfortunately, Milan have their own version of the Japanese joy-bringer in the shape of Andrea Pirlo, the man who destroyed Scotland in the San Siro two years ago.

Strachan believes the tie could come down to what is produced from dead-ball situations, and right up until kick off will put great emphasis on ensuring Naka is given more opportunities than his Milanese counterpart.

He will cajole his players to be "progressive and brave 30 yards out," and that extends beyond this first leg. "It's never going to be finished, one way or another, whatever the score is tonight," he said.

"If at the end they've not scored, that would be decent. But I don't think it will be 0-0."

With that it is was back to the task of finding the 11 who can prove his prediction right.