The valiant effort at Camp Nou was not properly rewarded as Barcelona scored a last-gasp winner, but Celtic can take heart from that performance as they prepare to welcome the Catalans to their Parkhead.

Tito Vilanova’s side, on the other hand, aim to keep their 100% record in Europe and thus ensure their place in the next stage.

Few years ago and the Bhoys would have been happy to avoid an embarrassment at Camp Nou, but the mere fact everybody at the club was very disappointed by the narrow defeat to the Catalans two weeks ago shows how far the team have come over the last few years.

During the last five years or so, Celtic would struggle to avoid heavy defeats on European travels regardless of the opponents, but they seem to have finally found a cure for their travel sickness.

The impressive victory in Moscow and a brave performance against Barcelona acted as major confidence boosts for Neil Lennon’s side, so the odds are the Bhoys will feel confident before the return leg against the Catalans.

Having come so close to frustrating their more illustrious opponents in Spain, maybe there is some value in backing Celtic not to lose at odds of 3.50 (5/2) offered at Paddy Power.

Boss Neil Lennon faces a real selection headache, with Jamie Forrest very doubtful and Thomas Rogne and Emilio Izaguirre also facing fitness tests.

The good news is that both Georgios Samaras and Gary Hooper are expected to start despite missing the Dundee United clash.

Probable starting line-up (4-5-1): Forster – Lustig, Wilson, Ambrose, Izaguirre – Samaras, Brown, Wanyama, Ledley, Mulgrew – Hooper.

If we disregard the two setbacks against Real Madrid, Barcelona have won all 13 other games this season, which gives them confidence ahead of the trip to Glasgow.

Oddly enough, home game against Celtic proved to be one of the toughest challenges for Tito Vilanova’s men this term, with Jordi Alba’s injury time goal helping the side record a very important victory.

With the Catalans now eager to ensure their place in the next stage, bear in mind away win pays 1.33 (3/9) at BetVictor.

Having scored at least three goals in four of last five games, Barcelona are 2.25 (5/4) with Stan James to score over 2.5 goals at Parkhead.

Gerard Pique is back in contention following a seven-week spell on the sidelines, but Carles Puyol, Thiago Alcantara and Adriano Correia are all out injured.

Probable starting line-up (4-3-3): Valdes – Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Alba – Xavi, Song, Iniesta – Pedro, Messi, Villa.