Kayal: 'Barcelona are the world's best, but we believe we can do something'

Chief Sports Writer

Monday 22 October 2012

BIRAM Kayal insists Celtic will travel to the Camp Nou believing they can "do a job" and ultimately qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Biram Kayal played his first full match since returning from injury in Saturday's victory over St Mirren

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Hugh MacDonald

The 24-year-old Israeli internationalist said the side will fly out this morning with confidence after achieving four points so far in their Champions League campaign and solidifying their lead at the top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League with a 5-0 victory at St Mirren Park on Saturday.

The midfielder played his first full match since returning from injury and staked a strong claim for selection for the match tomorrow night. He said after the rout of Danny Lennon's side: "It will be a different game in the Champions League but we're looking forward to it. We'll also do the job in the Camp Nou." Kayal added: "The team has a lot of confidence now and we always believe we can do something everywhere. Barcelona are the best team in the world but we're going there believing we can do something." Kayal claimed he would not be intimidated by the quality of the opposition. "It is a good feeling to play against the best players in the world – Iniesta, Xavi, Messi. It is a good chance for me and everyone here to prove we are at this level," he said. The midfielder had a bruising experience when he played for Maccabi Haifa in the group stages in the 2009/10 Champions League; the Israeli side losing all six matches against Bayern Munich, Bordeaux and Juventus without scoring. But Kayal exuded confidence about his side's prospects, whatever happens in the Camp Nou. "Of course we believe we can get through," he said of the group stages that started with a home draw against Benfica and continued with an away victory at Spartak Moscow. "We have proved that and we have a lot of confidence in the team that we can do something in the Champions League." Neil Lennon, who watched Barcelona win 5-4 over Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday, will almost certainly have Georgios Samaras, Scott Brown and James Forrest available for selection after missing Saturday's match. Kelvin Wilson was taken off with a calf strain at half-time against St Mirren and will be assessed today. The biggest doubt is Kris Commons, who has a hamstring strain.

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Kayal: 'Barcelona are the world's best, but we believe we can do something'

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