Hartley backs Celtic to banish away-day blues in Aalborg

Published on Wednesday 19 November 2008 21:52

PAUL Hartley has backed Celtic to finally overcome their travel sickness in the Champions League when they face Danish outfit Aalborg next week.

The Scottish champions have famously never registered an away win in the tournament and know that unwanted record will have to end to have any hope of remaining in the competition this season.

Just two points from their opening four group games mean Celtic have little hope of progressing to the last 16 for a third successive year but Hartley has refused to give up hope.

"We're still in with a chance," insisted the midfielder. "We have to rely on Manchester United beating Villarreal but anything is possible and I'm confident we can win our two games. We know ourselves what we have to do.

"Everybody keeps going on about our away form but we know the situation. It's not through a lack of effort.

"We try as hard as we can when we go abroad but there are no easy games in the Champions League. It won't be easy in Denmark but we'll give it our all."

Closer to home, Hartley is also keenly aware of the importance of maintaining their excellent form in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League when they face St Mirren this weekend.

Celtic have recovered from the body blow of losing to Rangers in the first Old Firm derby of the season by winning ten SPL games in a row following that 4-2 reverse.

"Losing the derby game in August was a disappointment but we put it behind us and responded in the right way," said Hartley.

"We wanted to go on a good run and we have done that. It was the perfect way to bounce back but we need to keep that winning mentality.

"The run won't go on forever but those points will account for a big chunk of our final tally and that will be important when the title is being dished out in May."

Hartley has enjoyed two successful years at Celtic and the 32-year-old says he would be more than happy to end his playing days in the east end of Glasgow.

"The last two years have absolutely flown in," he told Celtic View. "I've enjoyed every minute of it though. I love being a Celtic player. There is simply no better club to be at.

"This is where you want to play football and I'd love to stay here for the rest of my career."