JOHN COLLINS is wary of the threat Inter Milan carry at set-pieces.

Which is just one reason Celtic's assistant manager is so careful the Hoops have Craig Gordon standing between the Serie A side and any away goals in tomorrow night's Europa League Last 32 first leg tie.

Collins believes the acquisition of the free agent keeper in the summer is one of the best pieces of business the club has done for decades.

Indeed, he reckons it is on a par with signing Lubo Moravcik for £300,000 or even Henrik Larsson for £650,000.

"Craig's got to be spoken about in the same bracket as those two," asserted Collins.

The former Celtic midfielder explained all the credit for getting Gordon on board, following his two years out with a serious knee injury, lies at the door of goalie coach, Stevie Woods.

Collins admitted they were apprehensive about offering him a two-year deal, which Ronny Deila now admits he would like to see extended to the end of Gordon's career.

"Anyone that says otherwise is telling lies," said Collins of how nervous they felt at offering the then 31-year-old a way back into the game.

"If you haven't played for such a long time in such a key position, then there is a doubt.

"We certainly never thought he was finished, but Stevie Woods has to take all the credit.

"He brought him to the club, assessed him and gave us the green light by saying he believed in Craig."

Now, after almost six months in the side, everyone shares that belief in Gordon.

Collins is delighted he has not only got his career back on track, but has lifted it to its highest level.

"From the first minute he walked in the door, you could tell he was the complete professional and in total control of his emotions," recalled Collins.

"He was ever flustered and always calm. He makes things look easy, which is always the sign of a good player.

"Craig transfers that calmness onto his defenders. He's never shouting and bawling, but he is always talking.

"After every game, he's upstairs at the training ground watching the video of the match.

"He looks at every touch he's had, every pass-back, every kick out, every cross that comes into the box.

"We're just so fortunate. He's been an unbelievable signing. What a deal it was."

Considering he replaced Fraser Forster, who was sold for £10million, it is certainly the deal of the century.

"We knew Craig was good," continued Collins. "But, when you've been out two years, you think he'll never be the same again.

"I think he's BETTER now than when I remember him from before the injuries. And that's incredible.

"Goalkeepers get better with age and mature. I think there's every chance he can add two years to the end of his career. The way he leads his life will help him."

It's the here and now Gordon and his team-mates are focusing on, however, in particular, spiking the guns of a Inter side which has scored seven times in the last two games.

Collins recognises the threat they carry into a match he describes as bigger than the meeting with Rangers which kicked off this important month.

He said: "They're very good at set-pieces. Since Roberto Mancini came in as manager, one in three goals have come this way.

"Goalkeepers are vitally important when balls come into the box.

"Let's hope Craig is not busy. But if he is, I'm sure he can cope with it."