SCOTT BROWN wants to become one of the History Bhoys tomorrow night – by helping Celtic win in Italy for the first time.

With Glenn Loovens injured, the midfielder is one of only two players in line to face Udinese who knows what it feels like to emerge from an away game in Europe with a victory.

Georgios Samaras is the other, the Greek striker scoring the all-important second goal which gave Tony Mowbray's side a 2-0 win in Moscow two years ago to go through to the final qualifying round of the Champions League on a 2-1 aggregate.

That is the only victory on the road Celtic have recorded in 32 attempts, and Brown played a significant part, coming on as an auxiliary striker to unsettle the Russians.

Now, after three appearances as a sub since returning from his ankle surgery, he hopes to be let loose against Udinese.

And despite the fact a draw would be enough to see the Serie A leaders pip Celtic to the qualification spot, Brown is heading to Italy today brimful of confidence that Neil Lennon's side are in good enough form and heart to cause a Euro upset.

He said: "It would be great to get beyond Christmas and still be in Europe because that's something we have not done for four years.

"The main focus for us will always be on winning the league championship. But having got into this position in the Europa League, this is going to be a big game against Udinese.

"We know what we need to do to go through to the knock-out round in February, and we will definitely give it everything we have got.

"I believe it is an advantage that we know exactly what we have to do. Everyone knows our away record in Europe is not great. But we are bound to change that eventually."

Brown does not believe this new Celtic side should feel burdened by the poor record as few of them have played much of a part in it.

He added: "The thing is that the record the club have in Europe is not one which has involved many of the players here now.

"This is a new team and, hopefully, we are here to change history, start our own and see where we can go from here."

Due to his ankle injury, Brown has had to settle for a watching brief throughout most of this season's European campaign.

But that did not stop him kicking and heading every ball. His vantage point in the stand has allowed him to appreciate just how well his team-mates have turned things around after a shaky spell both domestically and in Europe.

He said: "They have always got great resilience and fight within them. They keep going and keep going. While I was out, it was good to watch. We have just not been the luckiest team in the world.

"Sometimes you need that bit of luck here and there if you are drawing and need to score a late goal to win.

"But we keep pressing and pressing. The lads are really fit and enjoying their football, so we are always sure it will happen."

Whatever the outcome tomorrow night, Brown believes the experience gained this season will stand this group in good stead as they continue to develop as a team.

"There are lessons to be learned everywhere," he said. "It's going to be tough, but we want to be in Europe and play in big games like this.

"This is probably the best group of players I've been involved with at the club, so I'm sure we'll give it everything."