Celtic's Sheridan Brims With Confidence

YOUNG Irish striker Cillian Sheridan wants to start next week's Champions League fixture against Manchester United after scoring on his full debut for Celtic in Saturday's 4-2 over Hibs at Parkhead. Sheridan figured as a sub at Old Trafford last week but partnered Scott McDonald against Hibs when he was on the scoresheet along with Stephen McManus, Glenn Loovens and Scott Brown.

"The challenge is to start against Manchester United now," said Sheridan after his first start in the Scottish League. "That's what you are at this club to do, to play every week so hopefully I can get more chances.

"Coming on against Manchester United last week and playing against the likes of Vidic gave me a lot of confidence for the Hibs game.

"It is easier starting games because you get your second wind. I've had a few injuries in the last year or so and it was my first 90 minutes in four months so that was another good thing as well.

"I've had to work very hard on my fitness and it's beginning to show."

Celtic boss Gordon Strachan was happy with Sheridan's display and said, "I like the fact that he is tall and he is the only tall striker that we've got!

"It's maybe a wee bit early for him because I don't know if he had played 10 reserve games for the full 90 minutes and he has been here for a year and a half now.

"We needed to build him up because he was raw and he still needs a bit of work but he gave us what we needed, power and a threat behind their defense."

Celtic's hopes of a place in the knockout stages of the Champions League are slim after their Old Trafford defeat, but Irish winger Aiden McGeady is targeting a UEFA Cup spot.

McGeady said, "The last 16 was always going to be tough with Villarreal and Manchester United in the group.

"The expectation levels have increased and there is the goal to get through but it is going to be very, very tough and the UEFA Cup would be decent.

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Nster.com