Professionalism demands that Craig Beattie thinks only of Pittodrie this morning, while personal disappointment insists that all thoughts of injury must also be banished from his mind.
Professionalism demands that Craig Beattie thinks only of Pittodrie this morning, while personal disappointment insists that all thoughts of injury must also be banished from his mind.
The Beattie story at Celtic Park started in explosive fashion when he made his first start at home against Barcelona in the UEFA Cup victory 2004. It has been interspersed, however, by the heartbreak of repeated injuries, particularly to his hamstrings.
He made the suitable noises yesterday about the importance of today's match at Pittodrie, insisting to do otherwise would be disrespectful to Aberdeen.
But he did not take much prompting to indulge in some wishful thinking about Tuesday's Champions League game at Celtic Park against AC Milan. "As soon as the match against Aberdeen is finished, we will be thinking about Milan," he said.
Beattie is realistic about his chances of playing in Europe, knowing that only one forward spot seems up for grabs. "Big Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink seems to be first choice at the moment, and the job is to partner him, but hopefully I can make that spot my own."
He admitted that his "eyes lit up" at the mention of Milan, but he has some painful memories of nights in Europe.
"The amount of European games I have watched in the house has been frustrating," he admitted. "In the Ukraine, in Barcelona, you want to be there with the team. Hopefully, that's in the past."
The key to more involvement is staying fit. Beattie said he had been doing more leg work in the gym and was looking to stay positive.
He wants to consign injuries to the past: "I don't want to think about it injury. It's hard at first but I just want to get a wee run in the team."
He seems more than eager. He is working on his sprinting with Jarrod Egan, an Australian, who has operated at the highest levels of Aussie rules football. Beattie, too, has changed his training routine.
He has also spoken to the manager about his game: "I've gone over a few things and it's great to get the benefits of his experience."
The Barcelona night remains a great memory, even though he was substituted at half-time after "big Rab stiffened someone in the tunnel". This was a less than subtle reference to a certain Robert Douglas' altercation with Thiago Motta which led to the goalkeeper being sent off.
Beattie was keen to stress that he has played in big games since then, both in Europe with his club and at international level with the Scotland side, but Barcelona remains a high point. "It was a great game. It was great to experience that night," he said with barely disguised enthusiasm.
Interestingly, Beattie was one of four young Scots who played a part in victory over Barcelona over two legs. John Kennedy is recovering from injury, David Marshall is at Norwich at loan, and Stephen Pearson has left for Derby County.
It leaves Beattie as the last man standing, despite the hamstring woes.
