McDonald: Fitness vow

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Scott McDonald is confident of being fit for the beginning of Celtic's UEFA Champions League campaign.

The Hoops have been drawn against holders Manchester United, Bruce Rioch's Aalborg and Spanish side Villarreal in Group E.

Australia striker McDonald is currently sidelined with a groin tear, but is hopeful of returning to action in time for the European kick-off come 16th September.

"I'm very confident of being fit and ready for that. I think the Rangers game [at the weekend] comes just a couple of days too early for myself," said McDonald.

"I should be fighting fit and ready to go the week before the Champions League starts.

Fabulous

"I want to get my foot in the door and get back in the team but when you get out of the team here, it's always difficult to get back in."

Meanwhile, Celtic chairman John Reid is thoroughly looking forward to seeing the side come up against United after the two clubs locked horns in the group stages two years ago.

"It's a big one, isn't it?" he said of being paired with United. "We seem to make a habit of drawing the European champions.

"It's fabulous for Celtic fans. There are no easy groups, there are no free passes in Europe. We're just proud to be Scotland's representative in there and to be playing the European champions."