CELTIC'S heartbroken stars were today told they can gain revenge on Barcelona in their Champions League rematch next month – by the man who helped plot their downfall at Parkhead eight years ago.

John Robertson backed Celts to upset the odds in the same way Alan Thompson's goal in 2004 KO'd the Catalans.

Robbo said: "There's no reason Celtic can't get a result against Barcelona at Parkhead if they play as well as they did in the Nou Camp. Why not? Until the very last minute they managed to restrict the number of chances Barcelona created.

"It was a cruel way to lose. It was harsh because they deserved a point."

Celtic were left reeling when Jordi Alba's goal in the fourth minute of injury-time denied them a famous draw in the Nou Camp on Tuesday night.

But Robertson is adamant the SPL champions can hold their heads high after a gutsy display against the Spanish giants.

Robertson, a double European Cup winner with Nottingham Forest, was Martin O'Neill's trusted lieutenant when Celtic beat Frank Rijkaard's Barcelona in the Uefa Cup in 2004.

He said: "The players should take confidence from the way they competed against one of the best teams in the world.

"They should go into the return believing they can draw or even win because of the way they played in Spain.

"They can hold their own at home."

Robbo reckons former player Lennon got his tactics spot on against Barcelona.

The former Scotland winger feels the manager will have to adopt the same cautious approach in a fortnight – despite 60,000 fans being at Parkhead to cheer their heroes on.

"He said: "They defended in numbers and looked dangerous going forward. They also tried to hurt Barcelona at set-pieces which, with the defensive problems they have, was a sensible tactic. That is how they scored their goal.

"They will have to play that way in Glasgow as well because Barcelona will still have most of the possession and chances.

"But if they do, there is no reason Celtic can't get a result."