Don't believe the hype - O'Neill

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill is refusing to become swept up in any of the Battle of Britain hype surrounding his side's UEFA…

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill is refusing to become swept up in any of the Battle of Britain hype surrounding his side's UEFA Cup second-round clash with Blackburn.

The Irishman will be dealing with this game as with any other, though he is determined to steer the Hoops to victory.

He told his club's official website www.celticfc.co.uk: "If we win it won't really prove anything regarding whether or not Scottish teams like Celtic and Rangers are good enough to play in the Premiership or not.

"It won't prove anything except this is a big competition and one we'd obviously like to get through, but I'm sure Blackburn are feeling exactly the same way.

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"They've got good players, they've spent a few bob down through the years, and they have done again recently. They are a very good side, without a doubt. They won the League Cup last season, they can play a bit and they have some very talented players.

"I suppose people will immediately ask how we measure up against Premiership opposition and all that kind of thing, and it'll be a difficult game for us.

"When I knew the six sides that we could be paired with I knew that it was an absolute certainty that we would get Blackburn!

"It's a very difficult tie for us, without a doubt, but it's one that we can look forward to. The travelling isn't immense and there'll be a full house at Celtic Park, so it's one to savour."