SCOTT McDONALD knows better than anyone the pay offs play-off success can deliver.
In his time as Celtic’s star striker, the Australian played against Manchester United at Old Trafford, AC Milan at the San Siro and Barcelona at the Nou Camp.
He hit a wonder goal against the Red Devils, and netted the winner against the Italians to send a packed Celtic Park into raptures.
‘Skippy’ shared a pitch with Lionel Messi at his best, marvelled at Cristiano Ronaldo’s power and pace and gave Nesta and Maldini something to think about.
Yet as he assesses the first leg of the Hoops’ Champions League qualifier with Malmo this week, he admits to one missed ambition and confesses a hunch the current side are soon to get a chance he never had.
“I was fortunate enough to play for a team that was so successful, we qualified for the Champions League on numerous occasions,” said McDonald.
“I played in away games against Arsenal, Manchester United, AC Milan and, of course, Barcelona, Messi and all.
“There were so many fantastic places we went to play. The only major club I didn’t get to face was Real Madrid.
“That was the one we always wanted, the tie that players as well as fans would drool over.
“It was the thought of the trip to the Bernabeu and what I am sure would have been an amazing night at Celtic Park.
“And I have a feeling this could be the year it finally happens.
“It is funny how European football gives you wee runs of playing against the same team over and over.
“One day, though, Celtic-Real Madrid HAS to happen.”
It has happened once before in Europe’s top club competition, when the pair clashed at the
quarter-final stage back in 1980.
After winning 2-0 at Celtic Park, Billy McNeill’s side capitulated in the Bernabeu, losing 3-0 to go out on aggregate.
For the fixture to be repeated, the Scottish champions need to get past their Swedish counterparts first.
The bookmakers make them favourites to do just that, but that view could quickly change if Ronny Deila’s side fail to establish a decent lead in Wednesday’s home leg.
“I think Celtic will be very comfortable going into these ties,” said McDonald.
“Right away you have to say there is an advantage in terms of travel. This is no Karagandy, where you have a huge long haul to get over there in the away leg.
“And they are a Scandinavian side, so Ronny Deila is likely to be very familiar with them and the style of football that they play.
“While Malmo would not be at this stage of the Champions League if they were not a capable side, they also don’t appear to be a team with a lot of big stars.
“So I expect Celtic to get through. I think they will establish a lead in Glasgow and then successfully defend it in the return.
“It will be just about patience, as it was against Qarabag. I think the crowd got a bit frustrated, especially at half-time because their team weren’t winning.
“Having been at the game myself, though, it was clear the opposition were a decent football side.
“You have to accept that and believe that Celtic can achieve what they are trying to achieve.
“Celtic are a strong team with some very good, experienced internationalists in the mix.
“These are guys who have been there before plenty of times, and know what is required to get the job done.”
McDonald says the ties have even more importance now with Aberdeen’s exit to Kairat Almaty having left the champions as Scotland’s sole European representative.
“Aberdeen will be hugely disappointed. With the very strong squad Derek McInnes has assembled, they would have expected to go through,” said McDonald.
“I actually thought they would have done it too just because of the goal threat they carry now.
“They did score in both legs, but unfortunately were unable to keep a clean sheet at the other end.
“The standard is getting higher in countries in Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan these days that is just a fact.
“They pay decent wages now and their teams play decent football.
“I do believe the experience will hold Aberdeen in good stead and they will be up again there next year.
“If they were to go to Almaty next year, for example, I would expect them to be stronger and probably go through.
“And they can take positives from their experience into their domestic campaigns.
“But it’s a shame because it would have been good for Scottish football to have had someone other than Celtic still involved at least until Christmas.”
McDonald’s point is a reference to UEFA’s safety net, with losers at the Champions League play-off stage dropping down into Europa League group.
Preference, though, is very much for the bigger of the two club competitions, with qualification guaranteeing both a £15-million prize and the promise of some fantasy football ahead.
“Once Celtic get through the pressure will be off them. It will be one of those situations where you just go and perform,” he said
“The worst thing that could happen is you lose a game.
“I don’t think fans would have high expectations in the group stage. Obviously when you are at home with the fans behind you and Celtic Park full, you believe you can beat anyone.
“The atmosphere is unbelievable and everyone really looks forward to those nights.”
It is, in short, the Real deal.
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