Hoops skipper McManus eyes Spanish giants Real in knockout stage

Last updated at 15:05 13 December 2007

Celtic captain Stephen McManus is dreaming of a last-16 tie against Real Madrid

in the Champions League.

That became a possibility after the Spanish giants secured top spot in their

group on Tuesday with a 3-1 win over Lazio.

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And centre-back McManus admits he would relish the chance to face the likes of

Raul, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Robinho.

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The draw for the knock-out rounds takes place on December 21 in Nyon, and

McManus believes the Celtic squad are united in knowing who they want to tackle

after finishing runners-up to AC Milan in Group D.

He told Celtic View: "I think everybody would say Madrid because we never been

there before. We've played a lot of the best teams in Europe apart from Madrid.

"It would be brilliant to go to the Bernabeu and take them on at Celtic Park,

but we'll see what happens. They are a team I admire, but there are so many top

teams we could face.

"At this stage of the competition, you are up against some of the best club

teams in the world and it will be hard whoever we take on."