GORDON STRACHAN has called on his side to forget their injury woes and concentrate on mounting a spirited challenge against Manchester United tomorrow night.

The Parkhead side take on Alex Ferguson's superstars knowing that they need a win if they are to harbour any aspirations of taking third spot and a place in the UEFA Cup in a group that already looks as though United and Villarreal will progress to the next stage.

Strachan does have some problems ahead of the game, with strikers Georgios Samaras, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Chris Killen definitely out, while midfielder Marc Crosas and defender Glenn Loovens are also out.

Barry Robson didn't train today due to an infected toe, although Strachan has maintained that he will be fit for selection.

We have injuries but we have to get on with it," he said.

"It's a challenge but it's something we relish.

"Our domestic form is won 18, drawn one and lost one. We cannot do any more to prepare for this game but we cannot prepare for all the injuries.

"If you look at most teams in Britain they have a good presence up front. The last time we played them in the Champions League a few years back, we had Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Jiri Jarosik and that definitely helped us.

"We don't have those weapons available to us and we have to find another way through.

"We just have to deal with it. There are other players coming in and I wouldn't like them to be affected by me talking about who is missing and who isn't missing."

The Celtic boss wouldn't shed any light on his starting XI, but he did promise that his side will attempt to deliver another historic evening in the East End.

Celtic have claimed some formidable scalps in the last eight years - United's included - and Strachan wants to see the same kind of spirit tomorrow.

"As players and coaches, we know we are not as good technically as United, but you cannot point the finger at this club in terms of character and determination and the will to win," said Strachan.

"Since I have been here the European nights have been fantastic. Whatever happens in our careers as players, managers and coaches we won't get anything better than we do here. It is a magical place on European nights.

"Most people know the difficulty we face. Our fans are not stupid. They understand we're underdogs and they're coming here to see great players but also to see us winning. It would be great if they could see great players and us winning."