One Ex-Toon Defender Takes Celtic Into European Draw

Last Updated : 30-Aug-2007 by

Celtic defender Gary Caldwell hailed Artur Boruc as the best goalkeeper in world after he saved two penalties against Spartak Moscow to help the Hoops into the group stage of the Champions League.

The Poland keeper made several good saves in the first half to keep the visitors at bay but he came into his own in the penalty shoot-out after the game had ended 1-1 after extra-time.

Caldwell: "In the first half Artur made some great saves and we always knew we were favourites going into the penalties with him in goal.

"He is without doubt the best goalkeeper in the world and it's great to know that he is behind.

"The number of one-on-ones and penalties he saves says it all, the bigger the game the better he is which is a great asset for a player."

Caldwell lived under the shadow of his older brother Steve when he was at St James' Park. Steve made 38 first team appearances for the first team as Gary spent his time in the Reserve side.

He went on loan to Hibs, and the then Toon boss Sir Bobby Robson said at the time: "He came in my office crying saying he wanted to leave the club to go back to Scotland because he was homesick. In the end I agreed to let him go."
 
Although both Celtic and Rangers are in the draw, English clubs have served notice that they aim to be the dominant force in the Champions League with Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United all named among the eight top seeds in today's draw for the group stage.

The other top seeds are two from Spain - Barcelona and Real Madrid - plus title holders AC Milan and their city rivals Inter.

Celtic are among the third seeds in the draw with Rangers among the fourth seeds.

Before the names are drawn out of the hat UEFA are due to announce sweeping changes to the format of the competition.

UEFA president Michel Platini is expected to confirm the details of his plans to open up the Champions League to wider competition, specifically by giving domestic cup winners an opportunity to make it into the 32-team group phase.

It is understood that his plans would have 16 cup winners from Europe's leading countries in a qualifying competition for four places in the group stage of the Champions League.

This qualifying event would be run in parallel to a qualifying competition based on domestic league positions for 12 other places, to join the 16 teams who qualify automatically.

Platini's proposals would also see changes in Scotland with the champions and cup winners given qualifying places rather than the top two in the league.