NANI last night recalled how he was rollicked by Sir Alex Ferguson for failing to cope with Celtic's tackles on his first ever trip to Parkhead.

And the Fenerbahce star expects the same rough treatment in tonight's vital Europa League Cup tie in Glasgow.

The former Manchester United man was given a tough time in 2008 when he was subbed at half-time having put in a pitiful performance during a Champions League group match that ended in a 1-1.

And while this is a different set of Celtic players, the Portuguese ace is ready for more of the same - but at least he won't face the famous Fergie hairdryer afterwards.

Nani said: "I expect some tackles. This is normal. Celtic used to be a very strong team, similar to English players. The atmosphere is also similar.

"I remember in my first game here and that it was a little hard. The manager kept shouting at me to be strong because they were tackling a lot.

“We have to have tackles. That is part of the game. We need to be strong on the pitch. That’s what makes fans come to the games.

“I can’t remember a lot about that game, except it was very tough and emotional. We know how the fans are here and we must focus because it’s going to be a hard game.

"We know what to expect, we are prepared and have worked hard for this moment."

Fenerbahce coach Vitor Pereira was asked directly about his relationship with Robin van Persie.

He did not deny there was a rift and actually insisted that such tensions could actually help the Turks win.

Pereira said: "I have a great relationship with my team and players. Sometimes the tension is high. Our relationship is about the people who want to get better, and this team want to get better and improve.

"Van Persie is part of this team and we all want to improve our level and get better,

“Our relationship is based on trust with each other and the confidence we have. We have our objectives and are focussed on that.

"Sometimes these high tensions happen. But in football you can solve the situation perfectly.

“Many times in football you need tension to win the game, you need these moments. If everything goes in peace, if it is calm all the time, then you cannot win games. These kind of things are normal, they are normal for us.

"The people who work for the club, when it happens, we live and forget it. This passes really fast for us.

"These kind of things are small things for us and we solve it really fast. It happens fast but we solve it fast. What we think now is to win the game and play good football."

Pereira was more complimentary about Celtic and was sure the crowd were going to be in for a treat.

He said: "For sure, it will be a tough game, but it will be a great game, an intense game. We will see a great dynamic from both teams.

"They have good players, individually they have greats ones, and have so much experience in the last couple of years in the Champions League, so they know how to play at the highest level.

"It will be a high quality match."