Kelvin Wilson has told the Hoops defence that if they want to put the shackles on Lionel Messi tonight they have to win their own mental battles first.

The former Celtic defender was part of Neil Lennon’s side who celebrated a 2-1 win over the Catalans just over four years ago on the night that the Parkhead side celebrated their 125th anniversary.

And Wilson believes that it the psychological preparation that stood him in good shape that night.

Read more: A night for the romantics as Celtic look to rekindle spirit of 2012 against Barca

“The whole week leading up to the game I kept telling myself that Messi is a human being, just like me and you.

“He is not a robot. He might play like one at times but he is human and has weaknesses like anyone else. I think, for me, that was as important as any physical preparation that went into the game.

“As a player you know your job, you know your body. Physically you know what to do. For me, it was all about being mentally ready to step onto the pitch and not be in awe of who I was playing against.”

Celtic qualified that season for the knockout stages of the competition and Wilson believes having the belief that the team belonged at that level was paramount to what was such a memorable campaign.

Read more: A night for the romantics as Celtic look to rekindle spirit of 2012 against Barca

“I told myself throughout that season going into the Champions League games that I belonged there, that the team belonged there.

“You have to have that believe. I set myself little targets for the games. Things I wanted to do and in the build-up to big games like this you really concentrate and focus on your opponent and what they can do, but also on your own game too.

“You know your own strengths as a player and if you are playing for Celtic it is because you are good enough to be at a club of that size and magnitude.”

Wilson will watch tonight’s game in the hope of seeing Celtic pull off what would be another massive shock.

Few would realistically expect Brendan Rodgers’ side to match Barcelona given the huge chasm in revenue and resources between the clubs but Wilson will be fighting their corner – as he does on a regular basis.

“There is still a real feeling down here that Scottish football isn’t up to much,” said Wilson. “I am sick of telling people that Celtic could live with anyone. I tell people to go and take in a match in Glasgow and then come back with the same arguments.

Read more: A night for the romantics as Celtic look to rekindle spirit of 2012 against Barca

“The entire set-up of the club – on and off the pitch – would blow every single Championship club out of the water. They are up there with the top four or five Premier League teams.

“I watched the game against Manchester City and I thought it was an excellent performance. That is what Celtic Park can give you on Champions league nights – and it shows you just how good a team Celtic are.

“I will be watching again tonight and hoping they pull off another big one.”