Ibrox 'spy' Nacho gives Barcelona dossier on Celts

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As the Catalan giants prepare for their Champions League showdown with Celtic, Rangers forward Novo has highlighted the weaknesses he sees within his city rivals. He also found time to list their strengths and singled out Shunsuke Nakamura as their most potent weapon.

While Barcelona will undoubtedly have done their own homework on Gordon Strachan's team, Novo's crib notes will be a valuable addition to their pre-match build-up.

"Defence is where Celtic are strongest, they are very aggressive," Novo told a Spanish newspaper. "If you go into a 50-50 challenge with them, they are going to crush you.

"People like Leo Messi or Bojan Krkic may suffer. They won't hold back and when they tackle, they will take you and the ball."

On midfielder Brown, who is suspended for the first leg, he added: "Scott is very, very aggressive and runs many miles during the game - he can be a key player. But he has a very bad temper and if you are looking to annoy him, then you can.

"Scott McDonald up front has scored many goals and is in good shape. He's small but he is a nightmare. He uses the ball very well and is not afraid of anything or anyone. Artur Boruc is a very good keeper but it depends on what day it is. He has games where he is excellent but there are games where a very easy shot goes underneath him.

"He has saved them many times and got them into the Champions League but he can be peculiar."

Yet, despite identifying weaknesses, Novo insists Barca will have to be at their best to take anything from their visit to Glasgow. "Nakamura is their leader. A great player. He has also scored many incredible goals from set-pieces," the Spaniard continued. "Celtic have an advantage because they will have learned a lot from when we played Barcelona. And they have made some good signings in January.

"Celtic will go for it in Glasgow because they know that is where their best chance lies. And if they get a win, I can assure you in Barcelona they will 'park the bus'."

Novo's reference to a rearguard action, should Celtic take a first-leg lead to Spain, is far from the minds of the current crop of Parkhead players as they prepare for their biggest game of the season so far.

And new signing Andreas Hinkel believes a heavy pitch can drain the legs from Barcelona and propel Celtic towards another memorable Champions League victory.

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The former La Liga right-back is cup-tied having played for Sevilla prior to his £1.8million move to Glasgow. After claiming his first goal for the club in Saturday's 3-0 victory over Hearts, however, the German international provided a possible explanation for Celtic's remarkable home record in Europe.

"At home, Celtic can win against any team," Hinkel said. "It's different to play here because the pitches here are soft and deep. Spanish pitches are hard but, after 70 or 80 minutes on this pitch, you feel different. Your legs become tired and the fans push the home team on.

"Of course, it's difficult to get into the next round because they play another game in Spain and this Barcelona team are so safe with the ball.

"I spoke with some guys here at the club. I asked them: 'Why do Celtic always win at home in the Champions League but lose away?'

"I wanted to know the reason. I said to them that I think the pitch and the atmosphere makes it difficult for players from Spain. They want to play easy, technical football. It was the same for Bayern Munich in Aberdeen. It's difficult to go there to that pitch and it's not so easy. It's the reason I think we do so well at home."

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Hinkel endured a frustrating two seasons in Spain, where Barca superstar Ronaldinho's fitness remains a source of constant debate.

A shadow of his former self, the Brazilian star scored a penalty in a 2-1 win over Real Zaragoza on Saturday night but has struggled to find his best form this season.

"Barcelona haven't played well this season," added Hinkel. "But they are still second in the Spanish league. I don't know the situation exactly at Barcelona but I know that only a few years ago Ronaldinho was another player. You see pictures now and it's like another guy. He is still a very good player but he needs fitness because being strong and fit is very important."