But today’s 5-0 away win in Paisley against a decent St Mirren side will certainly do as a warm-up for Tuesday’s glamour clash with the Catalonians.
Gary Hooper bundled in the 15th-minute opener after being left unmarked and St Mirren’s ‘keeper Craig Samson fumbled three minutes later to allow the impressive Efe Ambrose to volley the second.
The brilliant Victor Wanyama’s half-volley in the 32nd minute and a 25-yarder six minutes later had the Hoops four goals ahead by half-time.
The home side did tighten up in the second half but it was purely a damage limitation exercise and when Tony Watt headed in five minutes from time, it completed a job well done by Neil Lennon’s side.
A great solid performance by Celtic in the end, having 25 shots at the St Mirren goal over the 90 minutes.
We’d settle for a couple of those against Barca, where a good few of the Donegal Hoops fans will be spending midweek.
Meanwhile Neil Lennon has denied reports that Hooper may be on his way to Anfield.
Speculation yesterday was that the Englishman is wanted by Liverpool.
But Lennon has dismissed the speculation out of hand.
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